Royals Overhaul Pitching Staff with New Deals for Seth Lugo and Chris Stratton

Lugo's three-year contract and Stratton's two-year deal come as the Royals aim to improve one of the league's worst pitching staffs.

Seth Lugo, a right-handed starter, and Chris Stratton, a right-handed reliever, have agreed on free agent contracts with the Kansas City Royals.
Lugo will receive a three-year, $45 million contract that includes an opt-out after the second season.
Stratton, who won a World Series with the Texas Rangers, received $8 million over two years with an opt-out after the first.
Lugo, in his first full season starting since 2017, thrived with the San Diego Padres, striking out 140 and walking just 36 in a career-high 146⅓ innings.
The Royals' bullpen was especially a mess last season, and 33-year-old Stratton has been an above-average contributor from there, with a 3.91 ERA since the 2020 season.