The Kansas City Royals emerged to make a move for a quality pitcher on the market Tuesday. Kansas City signed veteran right-hander Seth Lugo to a three-year deal.
The news of Lugo’s deal with the Royals, worth $45 million, was first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
“Right-hander Seth Lugo and the Kansas City Royals are in agreement on a three-year, $45 million contract,” Passan posted. ESPN’s MLB insider made the post of the news on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.
Right-hander Seth Lugo and the Kansas City Royals are in agreement on a three-year, $45 million contract, a source told ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 12, 2023
Lugo has had an eight-year career in Major League Baseball to this point. The 34-year-old Shreveport, Louisiana, native spent his first seven seasons with the New York Mets. As a Met, Lugo went 32-24 with a 3.48 ERA in 494.2 innings pitched. Lugo struck out 508 batters with the Mets and issued 137 walks.
Last season, Lugo spent the year with the San Diego Padres. Asa Padre, Lugo performed about at the level he has throughout his career. He came away with a 3.57 ERA across 146.1 innings pitched. He threw 140 strikeouts to just 36 walks in those 146.1 innings.
His career ERA to this point is 3.50 with 648 strikeouts and 173 walks.
The Royals are hoping Lugo gives them a quality, mid-rotation-type punch. Former Royal Zack Greinke is reportedly considering another season on the mound, so you wonder if KC will come calling there too.
