UPDATE: Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino has made a passionate plea for teammate Seth Lugo to remain with the team, following their 8-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on July 26, 2023. Lugo delivered a stellar performance, pitching six innings and leading the Royals to their 50th win of the season in challenging heat.
After the game, Pasquantino pointed towards Lugo’s locker, expressing, “I’d really like to see him in a Royals jersey in his next start. We’re trying to make that happen.” This declaration comes as the MLB trade deadline approaches on July 31, raising questions about Lugo’s future, as he is set to become a free agent unless he opts into his player contract.
The Royals, currently three games under .500, have been making a push for a wild-card spot, gaining momentum after winning two out of three games against the Cubs. Having Lugo on the roster could be crucial as the team aims to close the gap in the standings, sitting just four games away from the final wild-card position.
Manager Matt Quatraro acknowledged the trade talks surrounding Lugo, stating, “His name is prevalent, especially here [in Chicago]. We talked about it openly… We believe if we can string some good games together, we can get back in this thing.”
Lugo’s performance has made him an attractive candidate for trade, especially with teams like the Cubs showing interest due to their pitching struggles. His impressive 2.95 ERA and ability to keep the ball in the park during hitter-friendly conditions have garnered attention.
When asked about the trade rumors, Lugo remained focused, saying, “You don’t think about it. You worry about the start. That’s it.” He expressed a desire to stay with the Royals, emphasizing, “I want to be here through the thick and thin. It’s a good team. We just have to be more consistent.”
The Royals’ recent win positions them closer to playoff contention, but with four teams ahead, the pressure is on. Quatraro dismissed the unpredictability of the trade deadline, asserting, “You can add to your team and not play as well. You can subtract from your team and play better.”
Pasquantino reiterated his commitment to keeping Lugo, stating, “As far as I’m concerned, I want him in Royals blue for the rest of the season.”
As the team prepares for a homestand following a day off, Lugo is slated to pitch against the Atlanta Braves next week. The stakes are high as Kansas City looks to solidify their playoff aspirations while navigating the complexities of the trade market.
For fans and followers, this developing story is pivotal. The future of Lugo and the Royals hinges on this critical moment as the trade deadline looms.