Former Mets reliever Seth Lugo cashed in this offseason. The right-hander reportedly agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.
Lugo opted out of his contract with the San Diego Padres after spending one season with them in 2023 and capitalized on his performance in his first full season as a starting pitcher.
The 34-year-old pitched to a 3.57 ERA in 26 starts last season. Lugo was built up to a career-high 146.1 innings and was one of the most consistent arms for the Padres last season.
The veteran previously spent seven seasons with the Mets before his audition as a full-time starter in 2023. Most of Lugo’s time in Flushing was spent out of the bullpen, a role in which he thrived in. In 275 games for the Amazins, he posted a 3.50 ERA including 38 starts as he was in many ways a Swiss army knife for the Mets.
Now, the right-hander will step into the role as likely the ace pitcher for the Royals. Kansas City finished 56-106 which was good for last place in the American League Central. Zack Greinke, Jordan Lyles and Brady Singer accounted for the most starts last season each registering over 27 starts in 2023.
None of the three posted ERA’s under five.
