The Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo was everything they could’ve hoped for when they signed him ahead of the 2024 season. He turned in a Cy Young-caliber campaign, helped push the team to the postseason, and proved he still had frontline stuff deep into his 30s. But despite another strong year in 2025, Lugo may not finish it in a Royals uniform.
Zack Meisel of The Athletic predicts that Kansas City will plan to shop the veteran starter at the trade deadline. “The Royals might as well see if they can flip him for a near-ready position player prospect or two,” Meisel wrote, citing Lugo’s age, player option, and the team’s middling performance as reasons why a deal makes sense.
The 35-year-old right-hander owns a 2.67 ERA through the first half of the season, seventh-best in the American League. While his record sits at 6-5, that reflects inconsistent run support more than his actual performance. Lugo’s 1.08 WHIP and 10 quality starts in 17 outings suggest he’s more than holding up his end of the bargain.
Yet, despite Lugo’s efforts, the Royals are treading water. 47-51, they sit in third place in the AL Central and five games out of the final Wild Card spot. They’ve shown flashes of competitiveness—Kris Bubic even made the All-Star team—but not enough to justify hanging onto a starter who can opt out this winter.
Lugo Would Be a Coveted Arm for Contenders
With a 9-pitch mix, a calm veteran presence, and back-to-back seasons of elite-level production, Lugo would immediately become one of the top starting pitchers available at the deadline. His contract—$15 million annually, with a player option for 2026—adds flexibility for any team willing to take a chance.
Several contenders have already linked themselves to Lugo, with the Cubs, Astros, and Blue Jays showing interest, and the Dodgers emerging as another logical fit. ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently called him “a luxury shared by only a handful of starters in the game,” noting his adaptability and ability to adjust in-game.
That versatility could make him a difference-maker in October, especially for clubs looking to lengthen their postseason rotations.
Royals Could Cash In While Planning for 2026
The Royals, for their part, have reason to make the move now. Lugo will be 36 next season and is unlikely to remain on a team retooling around younger core pieces. By moving him now, Kansas City could bring in immediate-impact talent, particularly MLB-ready bats that can accelerate their rebuild.
Of course, any trade involving Lugo won’t come without fan backlash. He’s become a fan favorite in Kansas City—not just for his performance, but for his perseverance. After nearly being cut from his college team, Lugo became a Cy Young runner-up and Gold Glove winner. His work ethic and consistency helped stabilize a rotation that lacked dependable arms. Trading him might feel like a step backward, but it could also be the forward-thinking move that allows Kansas City to build a more sustainable core.
Lugo didn’t make this year’s All-Star team, but his second-half performance suggests he’s not far off from 2024’s Cy Young runner-up form. Since June 1, he’s gone 3-0 with a 1.54 ERA, limiting opposing hitters and anchoring a rotation that’s struggled for consistency.
If the Royals want to cash in, the time is now.
Royals Expected to Trade Fan Favorite at Deadline, Per Insider