Overview

• Kansas City signed Lugo to a two-year, $46 million extension with a club option for 2028, removing him from trade discussions ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
• A former Cy Young runner-up and All-Star, Lugo has posted a 2.95 ERA this season while earning a reputation as a stabilizing clubhouse presence.
• The club has acquired veteran hitters Adam Frazier and Randal Grichuk as part of its buy approach, aiming to boost offense despite slim playoff odds.
• All-Star starter Kris Bubic is expected to miss the rest of the season with a strained rotator cuff, intensifying the need for veteran pitching depth.
• Lugo said his family fell in love with Kansas City and he wants to stay on board to help build the team’s pitching-first identity.