Royals’ Seth Lugo celebrates major career milestone — that almost didn’t happen
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Seth Lugo was recognized after reaching 10 years of Major League Baseball service time.
- Since joining Kansas City, Lugo has a 27-20 record with a 3.52 ERA in 74 starts.
- Lugo is signed with the Royals through 2029 and will make $21.5 million next season.
Kansas City Royals starter Seth Lugo reached a career milestone Monday.
Prior to the club’s series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, Lugo was recognized for his 10 years of Major League Baseball service time.
It was an honor that almost never happened.
Lugo’s career didn’t start off as planned. He was cast as a relief pitcher with the New York Mets and longed to be in a starting role. At times, the Mets gave him an opportunity to start, but he never got a full-time run.
The relief role ate at him. To his credit, Lugo admitted he was a little stubborn to embrace that situation in New York.
“I made it pretty clear that pitching one or two innings every few days was not as much fun as facing a lineup three times,” Lugo said, “and, you know, playing for a couple of hours when I go out there. So I think that was the driving factor to get to 10 years.”
Lugo wanted change. He entered his eighth year — at 33 years old — looking to reinvent himself as a starting pitcher.
At times, it felt like the ultimate gamble. Lugo was pegged in a certain role and he joined the San Diego Padres hoping to prove to himself and others that he could start.
“I think playing in a role that I didn’t like too much, I don’t know if I’d still be here,” Lugo said. “So I think that’s me being stubborn. If I don’t do it my way, I don’t want to do it.”
Lugo knew being a starter was possible. And the Padres offered him a chance — albeit on a two-year option with an opt-out — to do it his way.
After posting a 3.57 ERA in 26 starts, Lugo bet on himself again. He was a hot commodity in free agency and multiple teams called to inquire about his services. However, it was the Royals that ultimately gave him all the ammunition he needed.
Lugo signed with Kansas City and it changed his career. Finally, he could become the frontline starter he long desired.
“I really think he earned the right to do that,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “I mean, you don’t invest in a free agent like that if you don’t believe he can start. So it’s certainly things he did prior to getting to us. We like to think we helped him along the way.”
The Royals were the perfect landing spot. At the time, the club was coming off a disappointing 56-106 season — tied for the most losses in franchise history. And Lugo was a part of a revamped approach to invest in veteran pitchers.
Lugo spearheaded that pitching movement.
Since joining the Royals, Lugo has posted a 27-20 record with a 3.52 ERA in 74 starts. He also made the 2024 American League All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and was a runner-up for the AL Cy Young Award.
The majority of his success came in the last three years. So it was important for Lugo to share his new 10-year accomplishment with his family and Royals teammates.
“I think my best memory is going to the All-Star Game and bringing my kids with me,” Lugo said. “I mean, walking the red carpet and holding my kids. It was a really hot day. I remember that. I think I tore my suit up, but spending time with my family, it doesn’t get any better than that.”
Lugo still has a lot more to give. He is signed with the Royals through the 2029 campaign and will make $21.5 million next season.
There are a few bucket list items on the agenda. Lugo would like to win a World Series ring at some point and continue playing at a high level for his kids.
He also wants to continue helping the younger generation. The Royals have several young starters who welcome his leadership. Lugo and veteran starter Michael Wacha have left a sizable impact on the starting rotation.
“He’s been an amazing teammate,” Royals starter Noah Cameron said. “Just super fun to watch him work every day. Super fun to pick his brain all the time. And just kind of learn from him and learn from (Wacha). Those guys have been doing it for a long time and obviously are doing something right.”
Lugo and Wacha are quick to chat with their fellow starters during games. Since 2024, the veterans have held in-game dugout sessions to chat about the starter’s outing that day. They also watch each other’s bullpens and offer constant feedback.
It’s a collaborative effort that keeps everyone involved. The constant flow of advice and tips of the trade are needed in a grueling 162-game season.
“Just his wisdom of the game, wisdom of how to pitch and how to get different guys out in different ways,” Cameron said. “First at-bat, second at-bat, third at-bat, he’s, you know, attacking different ways. So I think that has been something that stands out a ton. We’ve tried to learn from him and are slowly doing that type of stuff.”
Wacha has been with Lugo at three different stops. They were teammates with the Mets and Padres before linking up in Kansas City. And each time, Wacha noticed a desire within Lugo to keep pitching at the highest level.
So it came as no surprise once Lugo crossed the 10-year threshold.
“I tell people all the time, I think his story is one of the best ones out there,” Wacha said. “He always kind of had that starter mentality. And he wanted to do it down the road. But that team, they needed him as a high-leverage reliever, and so he did that and was very good at it. Once he got the opportunity to become a starter, he went and ran with it.”
Wacha understands the hard work it takes to reach 10 years of service time. He also eclipsed the mark and believes Lugo has a lot more to offer the Royals.
“I’m just very excited for him,” Wacha said. “It’s a special day.”
Lugo intends to keep playing for as long as his kids enjoy it. He is all about family and helping the Royals try to climb back into the AL Central standings.
“It’s one of the rarest things in the history of any game,” Royals catcher Carter Jensen said. “So it’s special to see and be able to work with him and catch him. It’s been really cool.”
On Thursday, Lugo was slated to start the series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays. This season, he owns a 3.69 ERA through 15 starts.
As for how he will celebrate his 10 years of service time, Lugo is just grateful for the appreciation and all the benefits that come alongside it.
And a win on Thursday would also be nice.
“It means I get full retirement,” Lugo said with a smile. “You know, it’s been a long journey. It’s my whole adult life playing baseball. Thankfully it’s still going.”
