MLB Rumors: 4 Teams Show Interest In Seth Lugo As A Starter

 

Seth Lugo began his major league career with the New York Mets largely as a starting pitcher. In 2016 and 2017, he started 26 of 36 games pitched. He's been mostly used out of the bullpen since then, and most seasons, quite successfully. 

But now 33 years old and a free agent, Lugo is hoping to return to the rotation for any new team he signs with. And there are four clubs that appear willing to give him that chance, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. 

The Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals are among the teams "showing at least some interest in adding him to their rotations".

One major league executive explained that it's in Lugo's best interest to sign a one-year deal as a starter, then return to the free agent market next year. He'll then be able to "break out of reliever salaries in the $6 million to $8 million range and become a starter at the $10 million to $14 million level."

Lugo has a career 3.48 ERA and 1.16 WHIP, with 9.2 K/9. He has never exceeded 101.1 innings in a season however, which could make his transition to the rotation difficult to maintain through an entire season.

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