MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees & Mets Eyeing All-Star Starting Pitcher
New York Yankees and New York Mets are reportedly eyeing Kansas City Royals All-Star pitcher Seth Lugo as the trade deadline approaches, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.
Yankees, Mets Linked to Royals’ Seth Lugo in Trade Rumors
A rival executive called Lugo a “natural target” for both clubs, citing their financial flexibility and urgent playoff ambitions.
Last night was Seth Lugo's 50th career start as Royal.
— Jake Eisenberg (@JakeEisenberg_) July 9, 2025
His 2.90 ERA as a Royal is the *lowest in franchise history* among pitchers that have made at least 50 starts with the team. pic.twitter.com/quVFL2yNDQ
Lugo has been outstanding in 2025, posting a 2.94 ERA over 107 innings. He’s expected to decline his $15 million player option this offseason, making him a likely rental, though a valuable one. The 35-year-old finished second in AL Cy Young voting last season and is once again among the league’s most reliable innings-eaters.
The Royals, currently 48-52 and hovering near the Wild Card bubble, could pivot to sellers if their next stretch of games doesn’t keep them in contention.
Seth Lugo, Winner by KO (68 mph Slow Curveball). 🥊 pic.twitter.com/6p7kKutYto
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 19, 2025
For the Mets, Lugo is a familiar face, having spent his first seven seasons in Queens. Injuries have left their rotation thin, and Lugo’s ability to stabilize the middle of the staff without requiring top prospects makes him a strong fit.
The Yankees, meanwhile, are in the thick of a four-way AL East race and need rotation reinforcements following season-ending injuries to Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt. If Kansas City decides to sell, a bidding war between the two New York teams could erupt.
Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
