Kansas City Royals sign two more veteran pitchers, including Seth Lugo | reports
The Kansas City Royals addressed one of their biggest needs Tuesday, signing free-agent pitchers Seth Lugo and Chris Stratton, per multiple reports.
Lugo signed two-year deal with a player option for the 2026 season. Reports indicate the deal is worth $45 million. Meanwhile, Stratton agreed to a one-year, $3.5-million deal with a player option for $4.5 million, MLB.com reports.
The Royals officially announced the Lugo deal on Thursday.
Lugo, 34, was linked to the Royals for a while. KC reportedly showed interest last offseason before Lugo signed with the San Diego Padres. A year later, the Royals were able to secure him on a multiyear deal.
Lugo is expected to fill a key role in the starting rotation. Last season, Lugo was converted into a full-time starter and shined with the Padres. He posted a 3.57 ERA, 140 strikeouts and just 36 walks in 26 starts.
The Royals likely value Lugo’s consistency. He pitched five or more innings in 22 of his 26 outings and produced 17 quality starts.
Lugo thrives with supreme control. He registered a 6.0% walk percentage and 44.2% hard-hit percentage, per Baseball Savant. Lugo limited opponents to a .249 batting average and generated a 45.4% ground-ball percentage.
The Royals made strides defensively under infield coach José Alguacil last season. Lugo figures to mesh well with the Royals’ defensive infield. He could also take advantage of Kauffman Stadium’s big outfield during starts.
Lugo will join a Royals starting rotation that includes Cole Ragans, Brady Singer and Jordan Lyles.
Stratton, 33, adds another veteran to the Royals’ bullpen. He posted a 3.41 ERA in 22 appearances for the Texas Rangers. He follows closer Will Smith as the latest relievers to join the Royals in recent days.
Last season, Stratton operated in high-leverage situations with the Rangers. He pitched in multiple roles, including as a setup man.
Stratton primarily relies on his fastball, slider and curveball. He can also mix in a changeup to opposing hitters. Stratton was particularly tough on left-handed hitters. He held lefties to a .191 batting average last season.
The Royals have revamped their bullpen this offseason. Stratton adds another veteran to a young group of relievers.
KC added Stratton, Smith and Nick Anderson to pair with youngsters James McArthur, Carlos Hernandez and John McMillon, among others.
The Royals remain active on both the free-agent and trade fronts. Both Lugo and Stratton address significant pitching needs, but there is a chance Royals general manager J.J. Picollo could swing another deal.
Picollo would like to add another starter and an impact bat. He hopes to build a roster that can be competitive in the American League Central.
Lugo and Stratton are veterans that the Royals hope can help in that regard.
This story was originally published December 12, 2023 at 4:23 PM with the headline "Kansas City Royals sign two more veteran pitchers, including Seth Lugo | reports."
