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

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the second half of the 2025 season with the best record in the National League. At 58-39, they hold a 5 1/2-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West.

However, the defending World Series champions have been hit hard by injuries this season. They have had plenty of starting pitchers go down this year.

As such, that is an area of the roster that they could look to upgrade in the coming weeks with the trade deadline approaching.

Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report recently listed the Dodgers as the best fit for Kansas City Royals starter Seth Lugo.

"The Dodgers are probably only going to target high-end rotation additions since they already have a number of quality arms, and Lugo fits the bill with a 2.67 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 101 innings a year after finishing runner-up in AL Cy Young balloting. He could be the 2025 version of Jack Flaherty," Reuter predicted.

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The Dodgers' pitching staff was decimated by injuries in 2024, but the trade deadline addition of Jack Flaherty helped them sort things out towards the end of the year.

Lugo could have a similar impact if acquired from the Royals by Los Angeles. The veteran right-hander is an innings-eater, having already pitched 101 innings this year.

He is 6-5 with a 3.0 WAR in his 17 starts with Kansas City. The Royals signed him to a two-year, $30 million contract prior to 2024, which includes a player option for 2026.

Likely, Lugo will decline that option and hit free agency, making him a true rental for whichever team acquires him. The Dodgers have the prospects to pull off a deal.

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