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2mo ago

Royals’ Seth Lugo Emerges as Trade Target for Five Contenders

Kansas City is prepared to move the veteran right-hander as he nears free agency with rotation depth hampered by Cole Ragans’ shoulder injury

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 3: General view of a San Diego Padres logo on the field at PETCO Park prior to a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at PETCO Park on April 3, 2024 in San Diego, California.
PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 03: A New Era Houston Astros baseball hat is seen during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on June 3, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 04: A view of a Chicago Cubs baseball cap on the stairs of the dugout during the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 04, 2025 in Washington, DC.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 22: Sandy Alcantara #22 of the Miami Marlins pitches during the game against the Atlanta Braves at loanDepot park on June 22, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

Overview

  • Seth Lugo owns a 2.93 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 2.1 WAR over 14 starts this season, relying on a nine-pitch mix to strand runners and limit hard contact.
  • The Royals’ motivation to trade Lugo stems from his expiring player option, impending free agency and the uncertainty surrounding Cole Ragans’ shoulder recovery.
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers have been flagged as a prime fit for Lugo as they seek a low-risk rental to shore up a pitching staff hit by multiple injuries.
  • The Chicago Cubs view Lugo as a top-of-the-rotation solution to offset season-ending setbacks to starters including Justin Steele.
  • Houston, Toronto and San Diego are also cited as potential landing spots, with each club eyeing Lugo’s sub-3.00 ERA track record to reinforce their playoff pushes.