Trade Seth Lugo? How about extending him? The Royals on Monday finalized a two-year contract extension with Lugo, committing to the right-handed veteran starter until at least 2027 and ending any talk of Lugo leaving Kansas City this summer or the offseason.

The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $46 million, two-year contract with right-hander Seth Lugo for 2026 and 2027, a move that signals their intention to push for a second consecutive playoff appearance.

Seth Lugo signed on for two more seasons, with the contract holding a vesting option for a third year. The pact guarantees the 35-year-old right-handed pitcher at least $46 million. For whatever you think of the deal — too rich, rather cheap or just right — we should back up to acknowledge a bigger picture: