Seth Lugo continued to impress on the mound this afternoon, delivering six innings while allowing only two runs to secure the win at Wrigley Field. The veteran right-hander’s performance has helped him maintain a 2.95 earned run average alongside a 22% strikeout rate. This marks his 11th quality start in 19 appearances this season, cementing his status as one of the Royals’ most reliable pitchers.
Kansas City secured two wins out of three games against the Chicago Cubs but remains three games below a .500 winning percentage. The Royals will take a day off before hosting series against the Guardians and Braves, leading into the MLB trade deadline. Lugo is expected to start once more against Atlanta before Kansas City must decide whether to keep or trade him. Given his current trajectory, Lugo is likely to decline his $15 million player option for the next season, adding urgency to the team’s decisions. Meanwhile, the Royals’ recent victory has brought them within four games of the last American League Wild Card berth, contingent on Boston’s outcome in Philadelphia. Between Kansas City and Boston stand the Rays, Guardians, and Rangers.
Interest in Lugo Grows as Royals Weigh Trade Prospects
Several MLB teams have expressed interest in Lugo, who would rank among the best short-term starting pitching options available if the Royals choose to make him available. Jon Morosi of MLB Network recently reported that the Chicago Cubs were among those engaged in discussions with Kansas City about their pitching staff. Morosi emphasized that while the Royals might consider moving Lugo, they are less inclined to trade southpaw Kris Bubic. Similarly, ESPN’s Jeff Passan highlighted that the Royals’ current focus appears to be on Lugo in trade considerations.
However, Lugo’s trade is not guaranteed. Passan noted that if the Royals remain hopeful of securing a Wild Card spot, they might retain Lugo and extend a qualifying offer when he enters free agency. This approach would secure Kansas City a compensatory draft pick if Lugo signs elsewhere. The value of such a pick depends on the contract Lugo eventually signs: a first-round loss for deals with guarantees of $50 million or more, or a supplemental third-round pick for contracts below that threshold.
Royals Consider Re-Signing Lugo or Trading for Outfield Help
The Royals are still deliberating whether to trade Lugo or keep him for the postseason push. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that Kansas City believes there is a fair chance to re-sign Lugo as a free agent, following the precedent set with Michael Wacha last offseason when he also opted out. If the Royals choose to trade Lugo, Rosenthal suggests they will seek controllable outfield talent in return, aiming to address persistent scoring difficulties in their outfield positions.
The opt-out clause in Lugo’s deal adds complexity to any potential trade. Teams acquiring him would face the risk of a significant injury in the remaining two months plus a possible $15 million dead-money hit for the following year. While this might not discourage high-payroll clubs, it is a factor prospective trade partners will carefully weigh when making offers.
Southpaw Kris Bubic’s Status and Trade Considerations
Kris Bubic, meanwhile, remains under team control via arbitration for another season. The left-hander is currently earning $3 million and is projected to earn between $6 million and $7 million next year. Bubic has posted an excellent 2.38 ERA with a 24.9% strikeout rate across 113⅔ innings during his first full campaign back after Tommy John surgery.
Despite some concerns about Bubic’s workload, limited to 46⅓ combined innings over 2023 and 2024 due to injury, his current level of performance has drawn attention from other teams. However, his additional year of control makes him a less likely trade candidate unless Kansas City decides to reduce their roster strength. Even as sellers at the deadline, the Royals appear intent on competing next season, which complicates any decision to trade Bubic.
Implications for the Royals and What to Expect Moving Forward
The Royals face a critical period leading up to the trade deadline as they balance short-term playoff hopes with long-term roster strategy. Seth Lugo stands at the center of this dilemma, showcasing strong pitching while carrying an opt-out clause that could deter some buyers or influence offers. Kansas City’s front office must weigh the chances of a Wild Card berth against the opportunity to acquire much-needed outfield offense.
Whether the Royals decide to keep Lugo and offer a qualifying deal or trade him for prospects or controllable players will heavily shape their roster’s composition for the remainder of this season and beyond. Meanwhile, Kris Bubic’s status as a high-performing but controlled asset will likely keep him in Kansas City’s plans for the next season. The final days before the deadline will reveal how much the Royals can improve their position, either by retaining veteran talent or making strategic trades.