Royals Expected to Trade Veteran Pitcher Seth Lugo at Deadline

The Kansas City Royals are facing a pivotal trade deadline as they sit near the middle of the pack and struggle to stay competitive in the 2025 MLB season. Veteran starting pitcher Seth Lugo, who has delivered back-to-back elite seasons with a 2.67 ERA and strong control, is expected to be shopped by the Royals to acquire near-ready position player prospects, given his player option and the team's middling performance. Several contenders, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, and Boston Red Sox, have expressed interest in Lugo due to his value as a top starting pitcher with playoff experience and a reasonable contract. Meanwhile, the Royals are also considering bolstering their offense, particularly in the outfield, where they have struggled offensively; this could lead to players like John Rave and Mark Canha being removed from the major league roster to make room for new additions. The Royals' decisions at the trade deadline will shape their playoff chances, as they aim to improve their lineup while managing the future of key veterans amid a challenging season.