Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo, previously expected to be a trade candidate before the recent deadline, has agreed to a two-year, $46 million contract extension with the team, according to multiple reports Sunday night. This move keeps Lugo in Kansas City, marking a surprising development for fans and analysts following trade speculations.
The agreement includes an annual salary of $20 million plus a $3 million signing bonus. It also features a performance-based vesting option for a potential third year in 2028 worth $20 million, or alternatively a $17 million club option with a $3 million buyout, as reported.
Contract Details and Player Status
The 35-year-old right-hander currently holds a $15 million player option for the 2026 season, following his two-year, $30 million deal for 2024-25. Despite expectations that he would decline this option to enter free agency, both Lugo and the Royals have shown mutual interest in extending their partnership.
As of Sunday night, Kansas City had not made an official announcement regarding the extension.
Royals’ Current Season and Roster Moves
The Royals head into Monday with a 52-54 record, sitting third in the American League Central division. They trail Seattle and Texas, who are tied for the third AL wild-card spot at 56-50. In recent roster adjustments, Kansas City acquired veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday in exchange for rookie reliever Andrew Hoffmann.
Lugo’s 2024 Performance and Career Highlights
This season, Lugo has posted a 7-5 record with a 2.95 ERA over 19 starts, accumulating 33 walks and 99 strikeouts across 113 innings. His first year with the Royals saw him named a 2024 All-Star and finish second in the American League Cy Young Award voting after going 16-9 with a 3.00 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 206 2/3 innings over a major league-high 33 starts.
Throughout his career, Lugo has a 63-45 record with 16 saves and a 3.33 ERA, totaling 928 strikeouts in 960 2/3 innings across 353 games (116 starts) with the New York Mets (2016-22), San Diego Padres (2023), and now the Royals.
Lugo was selected by the New York Mets in the 34th round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Centenary College of Louisiana.
Implications of the Extension for the Royals
This extension signals the Royals’ commitment to maintaining a strong pitching core with Seth Lugo’s proven reliability and recent standout performances. Keeping Lugo off the trade market provides stability for the team’s rotation as they seek to improve their standings in the competitive American League Central division. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Lugo’s presence continues to impact Kansas City’s season and future prospects.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Seth Lugo Wiki?
A. Jacob Seth Lugo, born on November 17, 1989, is an American baseball pitcher who plays for the Kansas City Royals in Major League Baseball (MLB). Before joining the Royals, he played for the New York Mets and San Diego Padres. Lugo started his MLB career in 2016.