Overview:
The Kansas City Royals have secured their ace, Seth Lugo, with a two-year, $46 million extension starting in 2026 — announced at a Price Chopper-sponsored press conference featuring GM J.J. Picollo and Lugo. He shared that his family has “fallen in love with the city,” praising Kansas City’s impact on their lives. The deal includes a signing bonus and a performance-based vesting option for 2028. The average attendance at Royals games hovers around 20,000, underscoring the local support. Lugo, originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, previously starred for the Mets before making Kansas City home.
The Kansas City Royals have officially extended right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo with a two-year, $46 million deal beginning in 2026. The announcement is during a press conference sponsor from Price Chopper, where Royals GM J.J. Picollo and Lugo address the media.
Lugo’s new contract guarantees $20 million annually, plus a $3 million signing bonus. It also includes a performance-based vesting option for 2028. This includes either $20 million if innings thresholds are met, or a $17 million club option with a $3 million buyout (Reuters, KRCG-TV, MLB.com).
GM Picollo emphasized that the extension signals the Royals’ commitment to building around their core players. Rather than making moves for a trade deadline reset (Kansas City Star, KSHB 41).
Speaking to the media, Lugo shared:
“My family and I fell in love with the city—it feels like home now.”
The Royals continue to draw an average of 20,000 fans per game to Kauffman Stadium. This is a testament to Kansas City’s baseball community. Lugo, originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, made his name with the New York Mets before joining the Royals (Wikipedia).
Watch the full press conference here:
Seth Lugo Press Conference – YouTube
