Seth Lugo’s inspirational journey leaves lasting impression on All-Star teammates
Seth Lugo took it all in.
On Monday, the Kansas City Royals starter sat patiently at the podium as a caravan of reporters visited him during the All-Star Game media session at Globe Life Field.
Lugo tackled each question with a gleeful smile. He was honest about his journey from workhorse reliever to front-line starter.
He also shared insight into his extravagant pitching arsenal. And, when he found the time, Lugo reflected on his dominant first half with the Royals.
After nine seasons, Lugo took his place among the elite pitchers in Major League Baseball. He arrived on his own unique timeline to become a first-time All-Star at 34 years old.
“It’s been pretty cool,” Lugo said. “It’s been a lot but I’m trying to soak it all in and enjoy every minute of it.”
Lugo, who pitched a scoreless inning in the AL’s 5-3 win over the NL, has fueled the Royals’ starting rotation. He owns an 11-4 record with 2.48 ERA in 20 starts this season. He’s registered 116 strikeouts and just 30 walks in 127 innings pitched.
The Royals signed Lugo to a two-year deal worth $30 million this offseason. The contract includes a player option for the 2026 season.
Lugo was given a chance to be a full-time starter. He returned in a starting capacity with the San Diego Padres last season. However, the Royals offered him a chance to carve out a long-term role within their starting rotation.
And Lugo has exceeded expectations.
“He’s always had that starter mentality,” National League All-Star Pete Alonso said. “How he dissects hitters in game plans, he’s very analytical. He’s very meticulous when it comes to his game planning and, also out there, he’s always thinking. He is very cerebral and he does a great job of executing.”
Alonso and Lugo were teammates with the New York Mets. He was able to see firsthand the kind of impact Lugo provided to a pitching staff. Alonso was excited to see Lugo become an All-Star because of his journey to revamp his career.
“Now that he has gotten a shot at being a starter, it’s been super cool to see him kind of really come into his own,” Alonso said. “I am super happy for him. He has been carving and I am just really happy to see it.”
Lugo pitched one inning in the All-Star Game on Tuesday night and recorded one strikeout. He had last pitched on Saturday against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Those with connections to the Royals All-Star in the game included Alonso, former Padres teammate Jurickson Profar and Atlanta Braves star Max Fried.
“I saw him a lot in New York,” Fried said. “To be able to really bet on himself and stick to being a starter and trying to prove it, I’m really happy for him. To see the success he is having this year and how well he has been growing, it’s really cool to see.”
Lugo has relished his All-Star moment with his family by his side. The special week allowed him to create memories with his wife and kids. The Lugo family took in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby and cheered on Royals teammate Bobby Witt Jr.
They also enjoyed Dallas and all the festivities the All-Star Week can provide. On Tuesday, Lugo will culminate the moment as his name will be called alongside his American League teammates.
It’s an honor that Lugo will never forget.
“You know, (I’m) a pitcher obviously, but seeing some of these other pitchers, seeing what they do on TV a lot and getting to meet them, it’s a pretty cool experience,” Lugo said.
This story was originally published July 16, 2024 at 2:39 PM.
