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It’s back to the drawing board for the Chicago Cubs for their starting pitcher acquisition at the trade deadline.
In a shocking update, MLB insider Jeff Passan reported Sunday night that the Kansas City Royals have signed Seth Lugo to a multi-year extension.
BREAKING: Right-hander Seth Lugo and the Kansas City Royals are finalizing a multiyear contract extension, sources tell ESPN. One of the best potential trade candidates this deadline season — and top free agent arms this winter — instead will remain in Kansas City.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 28, 2025
The details of the extension are unknown at this time, but the Cubs now have to figure out where to pivot next.
Pitchers such as Sandy Alcántara, Edward Cabrera, Mitch Keller, Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly come to mind as the new targets for the Cubs.
Heading into Thursday’s deadline, Lugo was one of the most highly sought after pitchers. Teams were drawn to him based on the fact that he would be a rental and require less of a return to go back to Kansas City.
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The starting pitching market was already thin, and eliminating Lugo from the market makes it even thinner. Teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins now know they can ask for even more in this sellers’ market.
Adding to the rotation has been a major need for the Cubs since the season began, and Chicago knew it was going to have to overpay for a starter at the deadline. The race in the National League Central is tight with the Milwaukee Brewers winning 15 of their last 21 games. The Brew Crew have made things tight heading into the final two months of the season.
Pressure is now on Jed Hoyer and his staff to pivot as they know the Cubs need to add at least one quality starter or else it will be a very short postseason run, if one even happens at all.
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