Reports have indicated that the Chicago Cubs are interested in trading for a starting pitcher.
When searching the market for potential names the Cubs could be interested in, Jeff Passan noted that the Cubs might be interested in trading for Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals. Some have questioned what the Royals plan to do, but he'll likely be available according to Passan.
"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 due to his nine different pitches," wrote Passan.
"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."
Over the past two seasons, there's a strong argument to be made that Lugo has been the most underrated pitcher in Major League Baseball.
While he isn't as elite as the Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal’s of the world, his numbers haven't been too far off regarding the runs he's given up.
Lugo has above-average stuff, and given his extensive experience in the league, he’d fit nicely on a contender like the Cubs. He owns a 2.94 ERA and has struck out 93 hitters in 107.0 innings.
The Royals are in a weird spot where they could look to keep him around, but Lugo is also set to hit the free agency market at the end of the season if he opts out of his contract, so it's something Kansas City has to factor in.
That alone could make him available for the Cubs.
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