The Royals and Seth Lugo are within the closing levels of negotiating a multi-year contract extension, ESPN’s Jeff Passan studies. Lugo had the power to decide out of the ultimate season of his earlier three-year, $45MM contract, however as a substitute of dealing with an opt-out resolution this winter, the right-hander will probably be staying put in Kansas Metropolis. Lugo is represented by the Ballengee Group.
There wasn’t a lot doubt that Lugo was going to say no his participant choice and go away his closing $15MM on the desk in search of a bigger and lengthier assure in free company. With the Royals additionally struggling to remain within the playoff race, there was some hypothesis that Ok.C. may look to maneuver the veteran previous to Thursday’s deadline. Nonetheless, the newest reporting advised that not solely did the Royals wish to hold Lugo past July 31, however the membership needed to work out a brand new contract to persuade Lugo to forego his opt-out clause.
Assuming the extension talks certainly cross the end line, Lugo will be a part of Cole Ragans and Michael Wacha as Royals starters below contract by way of at the least the 2027 season, relying on the specifics of Lugo’s new deal. Wacha’s three-year, $51MM deal signed final November additionally got here below the specter of a participant choice, as Wacha had the power to decide out of his $16MM wage for the 2025 season and take a look at the market. Ragans inked a three-year, $13.25MM extension final February that was extra about price certainty than crew management, because the deal solely covers the southpaw by way of his second arbitration-eligible yr — Kansas Metropolis nonetheless has arb management on Ragan by way of the 2028 marketing campaign.
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