The New York Yankees' starting rotation is getting some reinforcements soon, but they could still want some more help after Clarke Schmidt's injury.

The Kansas City Royals had a disappointing first half of the 2025 season, going 47-50 in their first 97 games after winning 86 games in 2024 and securing a Wild

Hence, Lugo’s name has come up in trade rumors. And his ascending value continues to skyrocket with each start. Lugo has allowed five earned runs, total, in his last six starts. He was named Royals pitcher of the month for June after posting a 1.26 ERA and a 27.4% strikeout rate.

The Royals have had a tough season. They’re 46-50, buried in their division by 13 games, and currently sit 4.5 games out of a Wild Card spot with a negative run differential and ace Cole Ragans on injured list.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/royals as Wacky Royals Trade Idea From ESPN Would Bring Twins' Byron Buxton To KC. As the Kansas City Royals try to creep back into the Wild Card hunt, it's obvious that an extra All-Star outfielder would dramatically increase their playoff odds.

The Kansas City Royals are in a very interesting position as the July 31 trade deadline quickly approaches. The Royals are four games below the .500 mark for the season and are within striking distance of the final American League wild-card spot.

The Royals have spiraled out of contention and need to cash in on tradeable assets in an effort to get back on track next season.

The Kansas City Royals just wrapped up the first half of their season, and Royals Rundown hosts Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco are here to break it all down—with a little help from the 2025 MLB Draft and a few questionable umpire calls along the way.