The Los Angeles Dodgers are named a best fit for a $45 million starting pitcher to bolster their roster for a pennant race.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will look to bolster their roster ahead of the 2025 Major League Baseball trade deadline.
The Dodgers are atop the NL West and will look to add pitching to their roster, and could look to bolster their rotation. MLB insider Jeff Passan of ESPN links the Dodgers to Kansas City Royals star pitcher Seth Lugo ahead of the July 31 deadline.
“Lugo has posted mid-3.00s or lower ERAs for five seasons despite having below-average fastball velocity and good-not-great strikeout rates. His ability to strand runners and limit hard contact comes in part thanks to his nine different pitches,” Passan wrote. “With a Nathan Eovaldi-type contract awaiting Lugo in free agency, Kansas City could opt to move him, especially if Cole Ragans' injured shoulder doesn't improve. Best fits: Chicago Cubs, Houston, Toronto, San Diego, Los Angeles Dodgers.”
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Lugo is earning $15 million this season and has a $15 million player option for 2026, which is the final year of his three-year, $45 million deal. So, he could be part of the Dodgers’ roster for two pennant races.
Lugo would help solidify the Dodgers’ rotation, which has been hindered by injuries. The right-hander would be a solid No. 3 starter and could be a playoff starter for Los Angeles this season.
Lugo is 6-5 with a 2.94 ERA in 18 starts this season. He’s also pitching better as of late, as in his last seven starts, he’s 3-0 with a 2.14 ERA.
Los Angeles is currently 59-43 and atop the NL West.
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Category: Baseball
