Royals to sign pitcher Seth Lugo to three year, $45 million deal
The right-hander had a 3.57 ERA in 26 starts for the Padres.
The Royals are finalizing a deal with right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo, according to beat writer Anne Rogers. Jon Heyman reports the deal is for three years and $45 million. Mark Feinsand reports he can opt out of the deal after 2025. Robert Murray reports the right-hander will receive $15 million in each year of the deal.
Lugo had a 3.57 ERA in 26 starts with 140 strikeouts in 146 1⁄3 innings for the Padres this year. Last year was his first season as a full-time starter since 2017. He went at least five innings in 22 of his 26 starts and averaged 5.6 innings-per start.
Lugo is a strike-thrower, something the Royals are seeking. His 6 percent walk rate was the 19th-lowest among all pitchers with at least 100 innings. Lugo has a five-pitch mix with a fastball, curveball, sinker, slider, and change up. The sinker was his best pitch last year, with opponents hitting just .206 against it, and he netted a groundball rate of 45.2 percent.
The Royals reportedly pursued Lugo last off-season before he signed a one-year, $7.5 million deal with the Padres. He just turned 34 and missed some time with a calf injury this year, but has avoided arm injuries in his career.