The Kansas City Royals and veteran right-handed starting pitcher Seth Lugo have agreed to a two-year contract extension with a vesting option, the team announced Monday. The deal is expected to pay about $46 million total for 2026 and 2027,

The New York Yankees' starting rotation could be a focus in the coming days. One trade target is no longer available after Seth Lugo signed an extension with the Kansas City Royals.

The Kansas City Royals took pitcher Seth Lugo off the market on Sunday night and could help if the Nationals want to deal MacKenzie Gore.

Now that Seth Lugo has established himself as a top starting pitcher, the New York Mets could reacquire their former draft pick.

Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase — a rumored MLB trade deadline target — has been placed on paid leave in connection with a sports-gambling investigation, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Monday. Clase is reportedly on leave through Aug. 31, per The Athletic's Zack Meisel.

The Royals haven’t made their deadline position clear. There are different scenarios at play in which they could operate as either a buyer or possibly as a seller. In recent games, the club has shown promising signs at the plate. The Royals have scored seven or more runs in four of their last six games.