Overview

• Seth Lugo has a 7–5 record with a 2.95 ERA over 113 innings, ranking him among the top starters available before the July 31 deadline.
• His 2026 club option makes him an attractive, low-risk acquisition for playoff contenders.
• General manager J.J. Picollo emphasized the team’s focus on winning with 59 games left in the regular season.
• Lugo has publicly declared his preference to stay in Kansas City through the end of the campaign despite mounting trade speculation.
• ESPN analyst David Schoenfeld and others pinpoint the Chicago Cubs as the leading suitors, with the Royals aiming for controllable position-player prospects in return.