With the MLB Trade Deadline going into its final days, teams are looking to make one final push to improve their rosters. Teams often have to trade to improve their roster, but the Kansas City Royals improved in the long run. ESPN’s Jeff Pasan reports that the Royals and right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo are working to finalize a contract extension.
This move by the Royals takes Lugo off the trade market, if and when the extension is finalized. Lugo has been one of the brightest spots of a tough season where Kansas City is battling from behind for an AL Wild Card spot. One of the top pitchers in the AL Central is set to stay in Kansas City, which is excellent news for the Royals and bad news for teams pushing for a trade for the 2024 All-Star pitcher.
Royals Still Have Hope this Season and Beyond
There were some concerns that the Royals wouldn’t keep Lugo after this season. He was in the second year of a three-year deal; $45 million, with a player-option decision going into the off-season. Lugo was initially set to be an unrestricted free agent going into the 2027 off-season. His extension pushes his contract further for another two seasons with a player-option for 2028, according to MLB’s Anne Rogers.
Lugo joined the Royals, coming off an incredibly disappointing 56-106 record in 2023. He would be a key leader in the locker room and had his best season of his career last season. In 33 starts, Lugo accounted for an ERA of 3.00 and 181 strikeouts, allowing 177 hits, 75 runs, and 48 walks.
He is just as efficient this season, if not better than last year’s breakout season. In 19 starts so far this season, Lugo has accounted for an ERA of 2.95 and 99 strikeouts. He has allowed 90 hits, 39 runs, and 33 walks. He has allowed one more home run this season than last year’s monster season.
Lugo remains a part of a solid set of starting pitchers that has helped the Royals rank second in the league in ERA (3.51). The Royals are confident that their pitching can keep them in contention for a wildcard spot, while their offense is significantly struggling this season.
Seth Lugo’s New Extension Limits Trade Potential
The Royals’ extension of Lugo ruins any chance for teams to go for the talented pitcher. It also limits the trade market of starting pitchers, which teams have been overly cautious about. With Lugo out of the trade market, there are still starting available pitchers, but they have some red flags on their resumes this season and beyond.
Among the pitchers that are available through a trade are Dylan Cease (San Diego Padres), Mitch Keller (Pittsburgh Pirates), Zac Gallen (Arizona Diamondbacks), and Sandy Alcantara (Miami Marlins).
Each of these pitchers is among the most likely to be traded for a big package. They do, however, come with some serious questions. Some of them have expiring contracts at the end of the season. Lugo pulls his name off the trade market of some of the more efficient pitchers. As time runs short and options for a starting pitcher decrease, teams might have to make some decisions soon.
Latest Move from Royals Brings Bad News to Trade Market