In a surprising turn of events, Seth Lugo, regarded by many as an undervalued talent in baseball, will remain a Royal.
On Sunday, the Royals and Lugo agreed to a contract extension guaranteeing him $46 million over two years, reports indicate. Despite speculation that Lugo would be a highly sought-after trade target before the approaching Thursday deadline, he is now set to stay in Kansas City for the foreseeable future.
Lugo’s previous contract had him slated to earn $15 million this season.
Lugo’s exceptional performance, coupled with the Royals’ struggles, had positioned him as a potentially valuable asset at the trade deadline, assuming the team was willing to part with him. Since joining Kansas City, his career has thrived, culminating in a second-place finish for the AL Cy Young Award last year, trailing only Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers.
While Lugo may not fit the traditional mold of an ace, given his reliance on finesse rather than overpowering velocity and a tendency for batted balls to stay in the air, his diverse array of pitches consistently throws hitters off balance, leading to quality starts.
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As they approach Monday’s game against the Atlanta Braves, the Royals hold a 52-54 record, placing them third in the AL Central standings. Lugo is scheduled to pitch in the second game of the three-game series on Tuesday.
According to Baseball Savant, Lugo has utilized an impressive 10 different pitches this season: four-seam fastball, curveball, sinker, cutter, changeup, slurve, slider, slow curve, sweeper, and splitter. While pitch classification is not an exact science, it highlights Lugo’s ability to present a wide range of looks to opposing batters. He is also a Gold Glove winner.
The outcomes speak for themselves. Lugo faced more batters than any other pitcher in the American League last season and is on track to replicate that success this year with the Royals. Although advanced statistics may cast doubt on the 35-year-old’s ability to maintain his current level of performance, some players consistently outperform expectations. Lugo’s approach to the game suggests that he could be one of those players.
Interpreting the Extension
The contract extension for Lugo appears to be mutually beneficial for both the pitcher and the Royals. Since arriving in Kansas City last season, the right-hander has established himself as one of the premier starting pitchers in the American League.
The Royals’ strategy has historically centered on strong starting pitching, a philosophy they are unlikely to abandon in 2026. Lugo, who had the option to become a free agent at the end of 2025, will now receive the pay raise he would have likely obtained on the open market. Meanwhile, Kansas City retains its most reliable starter for two additional years, hoping for improved results in 2026.
From a trade deadline perspective, Lugo’s extension removes a top-tier starting pitcher from the market, forcing teams seeking pitching reinforcements, particularly rentals, to reassess their options. — Dorsey
