The Royals delivered one of the biggest surprises of the MLB trade deadline, and it could have a direct benefit for the Baltimore Orioles. Despite the fact that Seth Lugo was one of the top rental starting pitchers seemingly available on the trade market, the Royals announced on Sunday that they have agreed to a two-year contract extension with Lugo.
Lugo is set to earn $46MM across the 2026 and 2027 seasons, and has a vesting option for the 2028 season. A truly head-scratching moment for the Royals, who could have moved Lugo at the deadline, and then brought him back in the offseason, considering his current contract had a $15MM player option after the season.