Blue Jays predicted to land $30 million former All-Star from Royals

The Toronto Blue Jays finished the first half of the 2025 season on a roll, having battled back from fourth place in the American League East and taken the top spot from the New York Yankees.

At 55-41, they lead the division by two games over the Bronx Bombers. After selling at last year's trade deadline, Toronto will likely be adding to its roster this year.

Their biggest need is another starting pitcher. They have Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt and Bowden Francis, but more pitching can't hurt.

Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut predicts that Toronto will grab former All-Star Seth Lugo from the Kansas City Royals.

"At the All-Star Break, Toronto ranked 25th in rotation ERA and 18th in quality starts. Seth Lugo would be a perfect addition to the Blue Jays’ rotation. He has been outstanding this season, consistently limiting hits and keeping runners off base," Johnson wrote.

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Lugo is 6-5 with a 2.67 ERA and 3.0 WAR in 17 starts with the Royals. He has been one of the few bright spots for a Royals team that is falling out of contention.

The former All-Star has also pitched 101 innings. He does have a player option for 2026, which he will likely not exercise in order to return to free agency. This would effectively make him a rental for any team acquiring him.

The Blue Jays would certainly benefit from having Lugo in their rotation in the second half of the 2025 season. He can eat innings and pitch in big games down the stretch for a team looking to make a push.

Lugo was signed to a two-year, $30 million contract prior to 2024. It will certainly be interesting to see if the Blue Jays target him for rotation help.

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