One potential SF Giants starting pitching target is off the market after signing extension

According to one MLB insider, the SF Giants will look to bolster the starting rotation at the trade deadline. However, one possible target, Seth Lugo, is off the market after signing an extension to remain with the Kansas City Royals, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.

One potential SF Giants starting pitching target is off the market after signing extension

On Saturday, the Royals swung a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks to acquire veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk. They sent 25-year-old reliever Andrew Hoffmann to complete the deal.

It was not a major move by any means. Grichuk has a .734 OPS with seven home runs and 22 RBI in 188 plate appearances. At this stage of his career, he is more of a fourth outfielder, with solid platoon splits against left-handed pitching.

Nevertheless, the trade signals that the Royals plan to either stay put or buy at the trade deadline. With a 51-54 record, selling might have been on the table, but they have put those questions to bed for now.

Seth Lugo would have been a popular target if he was available at the trade deadline. He has pitched to a 2.95 ERA in 19 starts this season. While his ERA looks great, the underlying numbers are not as promising. He has a 4.27 FIP, and his home-run rate of 1.4 HR/9 has doubled from last season.

Nevertheless, Lugo continues to find ways to keep runs off the board. The veteran pitcher felt like a good fit given that he has some prior experience with the Giants' coaching staff. He pitched for the San Diego Padres in 2023, when Bob Melvin was the manager. When Melvin joined the Giants, he brought several of his coaches with him, including Matt Williams and Ryan Christenson.

Lugo joined the Royals on a two-year, $30 million deal. This includes a $15 million player option for 2026. Oftentimes, it is tough to move players who have any type of option at the trade deadline. He has recorded a 2.98 ERA during his time with Kansas City and should be able to earn much more in free agency than his option is worth.

This is all a moot point now for the Giants. Lugo will not be moved after signing an extension to remain with the Royals.