UPDATE: Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino is advocating for teammate Seth Lugo to remain with the team as the MLB trade deadline approaches on July 31, 2023. Following an 8-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, Pasquantino made his desire clear: “I’d really like to see him in a Royals jersey in his next start.”
Lugo, who pitched six impressive innings in challenging conditions, has garnered attention as a potential trade asset due to his 2.95 ERA this season. With the Royals now at 50 wins but still three games under .500, the team is eyeing the wild-card race closely. They recently gained ground after taking two of three games against the Cubs, intensifying discussions around potential trades.
Pasquantino’s call for Lugo to stay reflects the growing sentiment within the team. “We’re trying to make that happen. That’s up to us,” he stated, highlighting the urgency as the deadline looms. The Royals are currently one of the teams in the mix for a wild-card spot but face stiff competition, trailing by four games with four teams ahead.
The clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting. Lugo, who is set to become a free agent unless he opts in for another season, could attract interest from several teams, including the Cubs, who need pitching depth behind their top starters. “His name is prevalent, especially here [Chicago],” said Royals manager Matt Quatraro before the game. “We like what we have here. If we can string together some good games, we can get back in this thing.”
Despite the swirling rumors, Lugo remains focused on his performance. “You don’t think about it,” he said after the game. “You worry about the start. That’s it.” His dedication to the Royals is evident, as he expressed a preference to stay and contribute to the team’s success. “I want to be here through the thick and thin,” Lugo added. “It’s a good team. We just have to be more consistent.”
As the Royals prepare for a homestand following a day off on Thursday, the stakes are high. Lugo is expected to start against the Atlanta Braves next week, but whether he takes the mound remains uncertain. Quatraro dismissed trade discussions, emphasizing the unpredictability of the season. “You can add to your team and not play as well. Or you can subtract and play better,” he stated.
With the trade deadline just days away, the Royals find themselves at a crossroads. Fans are left wondering if they will see Lugo in the Royals’ colors for the remainder of the season. Pasquantino concluded emphatically, “It’s a business. Teams have to make business decisions, but as far as I’m concerned, I want [Lugo] in Royals blue for the rest of the season.”
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds. The Royals’ next steps could significantly impact their season and the futures of key players like Lugo.
