Dodgers Trade Pitch Lands Cy Young Finalist With 10-Pitch Arsenal

For the team that seems to have just about everything, why not trade for the pitcher who can do just about anything? 

With nine wins in their last 10 games, the Los Angeles Dodgers have the best record in Major League Baseball at 56-32. They enjoy a nine-game lead in the National League West and currently have the best odds of making the playoffs at 99.9 percent. 

But even the best has needs, and given the injury situation in the Dodgers rotation, they need pitchers. 

Of course, the Dodgers’ organizational depth has allowed them to succeed despite the injuries that have sidelined several pitchers including Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Tony Gonsolin and Tyler Glasnow. Los Angeles has had 16 different pitchers start at least one game so far this season, after getting starts from 17 different pitchers a year ago. 

The Dodgers could keep relying on that depth. They could hope for the return to health of their injured starters, the continuing boost of Clayton Kershaw and Shohei Ohtani. 

However, the Dodgers don’t just pray for best-case scenarios, they create them. And this season, that could mean a trade for Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo. 

Seth Lugo Took Lengthy Path to Starting Role in MLB

Lugo’s path to becoming one of baseball’s most reliable starters was anything but conventional.  

For years, Mets fans knew Lugo as the rubber-armed reliever who could handle just about any role in the bullpen, but he rarely got a fair shot at starting full-time. Lugo pitched parts of seven seasons in Queens, mostly in relief, and built a reputation as the guy to trust when the rotation inevitably fell apart. 

When Lugo hit free agency, he bet on himself. Instead of taking another bullpen gig, he signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the Padres before the 2023 season with the explicit goal of joining the rotation.  

That gamble paid off. Lugo gave the Padres 146.1 innings of 3.57 ERA ball, proving that his starter ambitions weren’t just talk, and he opted out of the second year in the contract. 

Last winter, the Royals swooped in with a two-year, $30 million deal that includes a player option for 2027, and Lugo hasn’t looked back. In Kansas City, he’s become even better, working deeper into games and showcasing what The Athletic called “one of baseball’s deepest portfolios.” 

“It’s actually 10 different pitch types,” Royals pitching coach Brian Sweeney said. 

And it’s a nightmare for hitters to figure out. 

From a signature curveball that once ranked among baseball’s best, to cutters, sinkers, four-seamers and changeups, he can throw almost anything in almost any count. It’s no fluke that the Royals are seeing him thrive.  

MLB Analyst Suggests Dodgers Acquire Seth Lugo for Pair of Prospects

Lugo has always just been one of those natural athletes. The Shreveport, LA, native lettered in baseball, soccer and football, plus he possessed what The Athletic touted as “a sterling short game” with a golf club. And don’t put any money on a game of pool against Lugo. 

“He’s a great pool player,” said Mike Diaz, one of Lugo’s former coaches at Centenary University. “He’s got all the shots.” 

His athleticism has helped make the pitch buffet work.  

He went 16-9 with a 3.00 ERA in 33 starts last season, placing second in the American League Cy Young Award voting. He struck out 181 batters in 206.2 innings, while walking only 48, posting a WHIP of 1.09. This season, Lugo has a 2.65 ERA in 16 starts. 

In a mock trade proposed by Dave Holcomb of Sports Illustrated, the Royals would deal Lugo for a pair of prospects from the Dodgers’ High-A team, outfielder Mike Sirota (No. 17) and corner infielder Logan Wagner (No. 23). 

For the Dodgers, the trade would boost their efforts to be the first back-to-back champion since the New York Yankees in 1999 and 2000. For Lugo, it would be the chance to become a champion. 

“He has something to prove,” Sweeney said. “And when Seth has something to prove, usually he’s gonna prove that he’s right.”