KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals signed right-hander Seth Lugo to a two-year extension worth $46 million guaranteed on Monday, a signal they intend to push for a second consecutive playoff appearance rather than sell ahead of this week’s trade deadline.
The 35-year-old Lugo is in the second year of a two-year, $20 million deal that included a player option for next season. Now, he will make $20 million each in 2026 and the following season. Lugo also received a $3 million signing bonus, and the extension includes a vesting option for 2028 that also is worth $20 million or a $17 million club option with a $3 million buyout.
Lugo made his first All-Star Game and won his first Gold Glove last season, when he went 16-9 with a 3.00 ERA. And he has been arguably better this season, going 7-5 with a 2.95 ERA through his first 19 outings.
Rumors surfaced of several contenders interested in trading for Lugo ahead of Thursday’s deadline, and the fact that the Royals have been hanging on the fringe of contention themselves left many wondering whether they would be buyers or sellers.
The first sign that Kansas City was committing to the stretch run came when it from the Diamondbacks for reliever Andrew Hoffmann late Saturday, shoring up a weakness in the lineup by adding a right-handed bat.
Now, the Royals have indicated that Lugo remains big a part of their future with his extension — an especially timely one given it was agreed to late Sunday, the same day that All-Star pitcher Kris Bubic went on the injured list.
Kansas City also is missing starters Cole Ragans and Michael Lorenzen because of injuries. Both are expected back at some point in August, and the Royals are hopeful that their return to the rotation will propel them down the stretch.
The Royals were four games back of the final AL wild-card spot as they opened a series against Atlanta on Monday night.
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