New Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo remembered 2015 World Series when KC called

Kansas City Royals general manager J.J. Picollo has made no secret of his primary offseason objective.

And he reiterated it Thursday.

“We feel like it’s time for us to make a significant move,” Picollo said. “We went through two years of giving opportunity (during the season).”

The Royals took a couple of major steps in that direction this week, signing closer Will Smith on Monday and then adding veteran starter Seth Lugo. (The Royals also reportedly signed reliever Chris Stratton, but that deal had not yet been finalized as of early Thursday evening.)

Lugo signed a two-year deal with a player option for the 2026 season. He will reportedly make $45 million through the life of the contract.

The Royals officially introduced Lugo to KC media during a Thursday news conference in Kansas City.

“Right before I got to the big leagues, it was the Royals and (New York) Mets in the World Series,” Lugo said. “Just seeing what the organization has, it just seemed like a great fit for us.”

The Royals needed to bring in additional starting pitching this offseason. Picollo wanted to add at least two veteran starters to a group led by Cole Ragans, Brady Singer and Jordan Lyles. KC officials evaluated a lot of options in the free-agent market and felt Lugo best fit the bill.

Picollo was interested in Lugo last offseason, but Lugo decided to sign with the Padres. San Diego gave him an opportunity to become a full-time starter and he put up terrific numbers.

Lugo, 34, posted a 3.57 ERA in 26 starts. He pitched 146 1/3 innings and recorded 140 strikeouts, 36 walks and 17 quality starts.

“We talked last night at dinner about how we were interested last year in signing him,” Picollo said. “But we weren’t sure about the starting role just because he hadn’t done it in the major leagues. Now, when you look back at what he did this past year, that transition was really easy.”

Lugo thrived and displayed exceptional command. He registered a 6.0% walk percentage and 44.2% hard-hit percentage, per Baseball Savant. He limited opponents to a .249 batting average and generated a 45.4% ground-ball percentage.

“I feel like, you know, what I’ve done throughout my career and last year, just as far as preparation, is a lot better sense of confidence in what I’m doing and how it affects me during the season,” Lugo said.

Lugo utilizes a dynamic mix of pitches. His curveball is devastating and has drawn praise around the league. Since the 2022 season, Lugo has averaged 3,054 RPM (revolutions per minute) on his breaking pitches.

The Royals also value Lugo’s leadership. His experience of pitching in a variety of roles could appeal to a young roster.

Several KC pitchers are still learning to pitch well at the major-league level.

“You can never have enough good players,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You need the depth and that is what Seth provides.”

The Royals made a corresponding move Thursday, trading reliever Taylor Clarke to the Milwaukee Brewers for two minor-league prospects.

Picollo said the Royals will remain active this offseason. There’s a chance the club will add another starter, additional bullpen depth and an impact bat.

“We still have some work to do,” Picollo said. “We’re confident and optimistic that we are going to keep pushing and continue to add to the rotation and also just to the offense. … I know there are rumors out there, but hopefully that one settles here soon.”

The Royals believe Lugo will be a key piece in their bid to compete in the American League Central. He is excited to help the Royals in their push toward contention.

“Pitching all game, that’s more fun than going out there for a couple batters and a couple outs,” Lugo said. “And that’s what this game is about. It’s about having fun. And if you can have fun and enjoy what you do, then your chance for success has greatly increased.”