Yankees urged to pivot to $56 million ace after Seth Lugo news

The New York Yankees are in need of pitching help, but one name just got taken off the trade block. Seth Lugo has agreed to an extension with the Kansas City Royals, according to MLB insider Jeff Passan.

"BREAKING: Right-hander Seth Lugo and the Kansas City Royals are finalizing a multiyear contract extension, sources tell ESPN," wrote Passan. "One of the best potential trade candidates this deadline season -- and top free agent arms this winter -- instead will remain in Kansas City."

Lugo was a candidate to opt out of his contract after the season, following two stellar seasons with the Royals. He was the Cy Young Award runner-up in the American League last season and is having another great year this season. He was a name being floated in trade rumors, but with a new deal in place, he will likely stay put.

The Yankees are among the teams that figure to be looking for starting pitchers in the coming days. Gerrit Cole has been out all year, and Clarke Schmidt's season is also over now. The Yankees do have Luis Gil coming back, but they may want more depth in the rotation. FanSided's Joseph Kallan suggested the Yankees pivot to Sandy Alcántara of the Miami Marlins with Lugo off the board.

"Sandy Alcántara has had a rough go in his return from Tommy John surgery, with a bloated 6.66 ERA and a negative WAR," wrote Kallan. "Still, there are glimmers of a return to form. His most recent outing featured seven shutout innings, and over his last two starts, opposing hitters are swinging at 73% of his two-strike pitches — second highest in MLB during that span."

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Alcántara has multiple seasons of control left on his $56 million deal. He will not be cheap, and the Marlins may, in fact, hold on to him for him to raise his stock back up.

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