The smoke is thick around Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo. If the Royals send them packing, the front office cannot just hope for the best. They need a plan that saves money and keeps the rotation alive. Per MLB.com Royals, the team has played 11 games since the break, and nine ended in a one-run fight. That tight margin proves the bullpen is fragile. Trading two starters for depth makes sense only if the replacements are ready to throw right now.
The Cheap Options That Actually Work
Kevin Gausman stands out as the smartest target for a one-year deal. He is not the problem for the Blue Jays this year, per Royals Review. Even at 36, he strikes out more than a batter per inning. His next contract will likely cost less than what Lugo makes. A deal for $12 to $14 million per year could bring back a guy who gets it done. The Royals need that kind of value in a small market. They cannot afford to overpay for someone who might fade. Gausman fits the bill perfectly without breaking the bank.
Then there is Michael Lorenzen. His club option looks shaky, but the underlying numbers tell a different story. He pitched somewhere between his 2024 and 2025 form. If he returns, he could be comparable to Lugo for much less cash. The Royals have helped pitchers find their groove before. Why not try again with a guy who has the tools but lost his way?
Fixing the Bullpen Pain
The bullpen struggles are real and documented. Look at the loss in Minnesota. Alex Lange left a cutter up in the zone, and Royce Lewis crushed it for a walk-off triple. “It’s most disappointing to let your teammates down after they battled their [tails] off for nine innings,” Lange said. That loss stung because the starters did their job. In six solid innings, Seth Lugo surrendered just one run. The Royals took the lead on a Salvador Perez RBI single. But the late-inning arms gave it all away. If Wacha and Lugo go, the team must find arms who can handle high-leverage spots. Steven Cruz is getting more chances, but the team needs more than hope.
The Bounce-Back Candidates
Jordan Montgomery has not pitched in the big leagues since 2024. He is currently rehabbing in the Rangers’ system. It has not gone spectacularly yet. But a bounce-back contract could work for a guy with his stuff. Tatsuya Imai is another name to watch. He has an opt-out after this season. His first year with the Astros has been rough, and he struggles with walks. But he has pitched slightly better than his numbers show. If the Royals can sign or trade for him, they might help him fix that issue. He might not be as good as Wacha, but the price tag would be lower. The Royals have a history of finding value where others see risk. This is their moment to prove it again.
Do the Royals have the right mix of cheap veterans and bounce-back candidates? Or will they run out of arms before the season ends?
