KANSAS CITY -- It was a season to forget for Seth Lugo, who wrapped up his 2026 campaign by allowing four runs in 3 1/3 innings in the Royals’ 5-4 win over the White Sox on Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium.
Kansas City’s offense, led by Maikel Garcia and Carter Jensen, and the bullpen, most notably Lucas Erceg’s scoreless eighth, backed the 36-year-old starter to grab a victory, but Lugo’s struggles bookended what has been a troubling stretch for a central piece of the Royals’ 2027 rotation.
Lugo finished the season with a 5.17 ERA, the worst qualified mark in the Major Leagues. Arizona’s Merrill Kelly (4.94) was the only other qualified pitcher to have an ERA above 4.61.
It’s a concerning trend for multiple reasons -- it wasn’t just a rough month or two. After posting a 2.68 ERA across seven starts to begin the season, Lugo delivered a 6.01 mark across the final 25 starts (128 2/3 innings) to wrap up his third season in Kansas City.
“Frustration,” Lugo said of his season. “I think a lot of guys here are frustrated. Obviously didn’t make the playoffs. … But at the same time, stayed healthy and made every start this year. That’s something to be proud of and something to carry int...