The New York Yankees are actively pursuing veteran pitcher Seth Lugo to bolster their starting rotation as they prepare for the postseason. With Clarke Schmidt sidelined by injury, the team is eager to secure reliable pitching support to maintain their competitiveness during the critical stretch of the season.
Key starters including Max Fried and Carlos Rodón have stepped up impressively in Gerrit Cole’s absence, but the Yankees still require a dependable fifth starter to solidify their lineup. The addition of Lugo is viewed as a strategic move to address this gap and enhance the team’s chances for a successful playoff run.
Return of Luis Gil and Ryan Yarbrough Provides Some Relief
The expected comeback of Luis Gil is set to ease the strain caused by Schmidt’s injury on the pitching rotation. Additionally, Ryan Yarbrough, who has been effective since joining the rotation, is nearing his return from injury. Yarbrough has maintained a respectable 3.83 ERA and has generally limited opponents’ scoring, despite one difficult outing where he allowed eight runs against the Boston Red Sox.
Having Yarbrough available as a consistent fifth starter would add depth and stability, further supporting the Yankees’ roster during the playoff push.
Why Seth Lugo Has Become the Yankees’ Prime Trade Target
The Yankees have identified Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals as a top candidate to upgrade their rotation. Lugo had an outstanding season last year, earning All-Star status and placing as the runner-up for the American League Cy Young Award. This season, Lugo has continued to impress, posting a strong 2.67 ERA over 17 starts.
With a player option after this season, Lugo’s availability at the trade deadline makes him an attractive acquisition for the Yankees. Should he choose free agency next year, the team aims to benefit from his talents while they can still acquire him.
Constructing a Rotation Ready for October Intensity
By imagining a starting rotation featuring Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, Seth Lugo, and Ryan Yarbrough, the Yankees could establish one of the most formidable pitching staffs in the league. Lugo’s presence would reduce the necessity to rely on less proven arms like Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, or Marcus Stroman during high-pressure playoff games.
This targeted reinforcement underscores the Yankees’ determination to build a championship-caliber roster capable of withstanding the pressures of postseason competition. Their pursuit of Lugo signals an aggressive approach to securing the quality pitching required for a deep postseason run.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast does Seth Lugo pitch?
A. He throws his pitch into the strike zone half of the time. This usually happens with his Changeup pitches. The speed averages 86.4 MPH and can reach up to 89.9 MPH.