Lugo's amazing transition from pen to rotation

Baseball is a sport of transitions, constantly shifting between promotions and demotions. Among the positions, pitching witnesses the most frequent changes. It's uncommon for a veteran in their mid to late 30s, who has predominantly been a reliever throughout their career, to transition to the starting rotation. However, exceptions do occur. Seth Lugo is one such example, a pitcher who persevered in pursuit of his dream to become a starter.
Originally drafted by the Mets in 2011, in the 34th round, Lugo progressed through the team's farm system as a starter. However, after making his Major League debut in 2016, he predominantly served as a reliever, making only 38 starts during his seven-year tenure with the Mets. Following the conclusion of the 2022 season, Lugo entered free agency, eager to secure a spot as a starting pitcher in the big leagues.
Despite his aspirations, the Mets didn't afford him the opportunity to establish himself as a full-time starter at the Major League level. After seven years primarily as a reliever with the Mets, Lugo seized the chance to join the San Diego Padres and secure a starting role at the age of 33. Thriving in the Padres' rotation, Lugo started 26 games and boasted an impressive 3.57 ERA.
Remarkably, Lugo harbored no bitterness toward the Mets for relegating him to the bullpen. Expressing gratitude for his time with the organization, he remarked, "The Mets treated me really well for a long time. Most of my adult life, I was wearing a Mets uniform, so I’ve got nothing but appreciation for the organization." Transitioning to the Padres proved seamless for Lugo, who praised the welcoming atmosphere and smooth adjustment.
While Lugo's contract with the Padres initially spanned one year, it included a player option. Opting out to explore the market at 34, Lugo took a calculated risk that ultimately paid off handsomely for both him and the Kansas City Royals. Despite his age and limited experience as a full-time starter, Lugo attracted significant interest from other teams, including the Tigers, Dodgers, and Red Sox. However, it was the Royals who emerged as the frontrunners, offering Lugo a lucrative three-year deal worth $45 million.
Kansas City's bold move to secure Lugo's services garnered attention across the baseball world, with MLB Network commenting on the significance of the signing. Despite not possessing overpowering velocity, with his fastball typically ranging between 91 to 93 mph, Lugo's curveball stands out as one of the best in the majors. While the Mets recognized the potency of his curveball, they hesitated to entrust him with a starting role, given the formidable rotation lineup they boasted.
Transitioning from a reliever to a starter after seven years presents its challenges, but Lugo has embraced his new role in the Royals' rotation. However, as he enters his late 30s, questions linger regarding his ability to sustain his performance. While his fastball velocity may decline with age, Lugo's exceptional command and pitching acumen bode well for his continued success.
With Kansas City's substantial investment in Lugo, both the Royals and Lugo himself are poised to make significant strides as they strive for success on the field.








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