The Toronto Blue Jays are closing on on Kansas City Royals all-star pitcher
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro / Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays might be an ideal landing spot for one of the most coveted pitchers available at the trade deadline.
Once considered potential sellers, the Blue Jays have performed well enough to make a strong case for becoming buyers.
Blue Jays closing in on star pitcher from Kansas City
Michael Brauner from Toronto Blue Jays On Si writes that if there's one area the Blue Jays need to shore up, it's their starting rotation, which has been hit hard by injuries and inconsistency throughout much of the season.
"Jeff Passan of ESPN named the top-50 players who could be traded at the deadline, and coming in at No. 6 was Kansas City Royals All-Star right-hander Seth Lugo. Passan gave Lugo a 40 percent chance of actually being dealt, and named the Blue Jays as one of the top possible suitors." -Brauner
In his breakout 2024 season, Lugo earned his first All-Star nod, finished second in the American League Cy Young voting, and also placed in the top 15 for AL MVP honours.
"With a 3.00 ERA and 1.089 WHIP last year, Lugo has been even better in 2025 with an ERA of 2.93 and WHIP of 1.048." -Brauner
Lugo is expected to hit free agency after the season, as he holds a player option worth just $15 million, well below the typical market value for a top-tier starting pitcher.
"The 35-year-old has hit his stride late in his career, playing the best baseball of his life since converting to a full-time starter in 2023 with the San Diego Padres. After throwing over 200 innings last year, Lugo is on pace to push close to the same this year." -Brauner
Lugo is precisely the type of deadline target teams will be eager to land, and acquiring him could require a substantial return. However, it the Blue Jays decide in the coming weeks that they're only a few key pieces from making a serious push, he'd be well worth the price.
Keep an eye on Lugo as someone who is going to be a major discussion point as the deadline approaches.
Source:
Toronto Blue Jays On Si
Blue Jays Named Best Blockbuster Trade Destination for Royals All-Star
Toronto Blue Jays On Si
Blue Jays Named Best Blockbuster Trade Destination for Royals All-Star
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JUIN 26 | 1967 ANSWERS The Toronto Blue Jays are closing on on Kansas City Royals all-star pitcher Should the Blue Jays trade for Royals pitcher Seth Lugo? | ||
| yes | 1360 | 69.1 % |
| no | 607 | 30.9 % |
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