The Kansas City Royals have officially retained pitcher Seth Lugo, dismissing recent speculation regarding a potential trade prior to the deadline. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Lugo is in the process of finalizing a multi-year contract extension to remain with the Royals. MLB.com's Anne Rogers reported that the extension is structured as a two-year deal, featuring a vesting option for the 2028 season.

Lugo's decision to extend his tenure with Kansas City comes amidst an impressive season for the 35-year-old right-hander. He has posted a commendable 2.95 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP across 19 starts, which positions him for one of the most productive years of his career. Despite Lugo's individual achievements, the Royals have struggled collectively, currently sitting four games behind in the wild card race with a record of 52-54. This underperformance had placed Lugo's name in trade discussions in recent weeks, particularly as some teams began closely scouting him, believing he could be available if the Royals fell further out of contention.

Kansas City's decision not to sell at the trade deadline facilitates Lugo's continued presence on the roster for the upcoming years. Previously, Lugo was expected to opt out of his current contract, which included a player option for the 2026 season, and test the free agent market as one of the more sought-after pitchers. Instead, he demonstrated a commitment to his team by agreeing to this extension. Lugo began his major league career with the New York Mets, where he spent seven seasons before signing a one-year deal with the San Diego Padres for the 2023 campaign. Transitioning into a starting role with the Padres, Lugo quickly established himself as a reliable pitcher. Last season with the Royals, he recorded a 3.00 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, and secured a 16-9 win-loss record, earning recognition as a finalist for the AL Cy Young Award. With the new extension in place, Lugo will aim to maintain his strong performance and assist the Royals in their pursuit of a postseason berth.