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Mike King became the second Eagle drafted in the 2016 draft when the Miami Marlins announced they selected him in the 12th round with the 353rd overall pick.
A right-handed pitcher out of Warwick, Rhode Island, King established himself as the Eagles' ace heading into this season. As a legitimate Friday night starter, he set a new single-season program record this year for innings pitched, amassing 98 innings heading into this weekend. His 7-4 record and counting is the most wins since 2010, and his 15 starts established him as a mainstay along first round pick Justin Dunn.
Coming to Boston College out of Bishop Hendricken High School, King quickly made a name for himself as a relief pitcher during his freshman season. Throwing 43 innings, he made 16 appearances, including three starts, going 2-2 with a 2.93 ERA. He became known as a guy with pinpoint control, surrendering only 12 walks while striking out 35. In addition, he recorded two saves on the year.
During his sophomore season, he transitioned into the starter's role before the end of the season, earning time in the weekend rotation. He went just 1-5 on the year, but he started eight of his 14 appearances and threw 62.1 innings. He increased his strikeout total to 52, but he kept his walks total at the same level despite throwing nearly 20 more innings. He threw two complete games, including one shutout, again recording two saves.
That set him up as the staff during his junior season. With a 3.21 ERA and 27 walks, he did hit career highs, but he also set a new career best with 58 strikeouts.
A sinker-slider type pitcher with a fastball that sits in the high-80s to low-90s, King is a pitch-to-contact pitcher. Though his strikeouts numbers are impressive, King's best value is in the number of groundball outs he can record. In a complete game victory effort this year, King struck out six but induced 12 groundball outs, seven of which went to shortstop Johnny Adams.
King will now be faced with the same decision as his teammate Justin Dunn. Draft rights negotiation periods continue until July 15th, but he has to make a decision as to whether or not he will sign a contract by that date. If he signs, he will forfeit his last year of eligibility at BC and head to the professional ranks. If he doesn't sign, King will return to the Eagles for his senior season.
Prior to the season, King was considered one of the 200 best prospects in the nation. Now he has the decision to begin his next step following the Super Regionals round. Congratulations to The King of Boston College! Go Eagles!