Lugo finalized an agreement with Kansas City on Tuesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: It's a three-year, $45 million contract, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, with the third year of the deal coming in the form of a $15 million player option. Lugo was connected to a wide range of teams this winter -- including the Mets, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, Reds, Tigers and Atlanta -- but he has opted to join the Royals and should immediately jump to the top of their rotation depth chart. The 34-year-old right-hander worked as a full-time starter with the Padres in 2023 and registered a sharp 3.57 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 140:36 K:BB across 146.1 innings. He had a 3.56 ERA and 124:37 K:BB in 111.1 innings of relief with the Mets between 2021-22.
Seth Lugo Declines player option
Lugo declined his player option for the 2024 season on Thursday, Ari Alexander of KRPC2 reports.
Analysis: Lugo was set to make $7.5 million in 2024, a mark he should easily top after posting a 3.57 ERA and 1.20 WHIP across 146.1 innings last season with the Padres. Entering his age-35 season, this could be Lugo's last chance to sign a contract of significant value.
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