Seth Lugo still a long shot to win Cy Young after masterful win vs. Yankees

When the Kansas City Royals signed veteran starting pitcher Seth Lugo this past offseason, it seemed like a nice budgetary move for a franchise that had lost 106 games in 2023. It has turned out to be so much more.

The 34-year-old Lugo, who spent most of his career as a reliever for the Mets, had started for a full season in 2023 for the Padres, and the Royals liked what they saw. He hasn't disappointed them.

Lugo and fellow free-agent signee Michael Wacha have helped turn the Royals rotation around. With help from Cole Ragans, who was acquired by Kansas City during the summer of 2023, and internal holdover Brady Singer, the rotation is leading the Royals to the playoffs for the first time since they won the World Series in 2015.

On Tuesday, Lugo had a brilliant outing against the Yankees in New York. He went seven shutout innings, allowed just three hits, issued no walks and struck out 10.

Lugo leads the American League in innings with 193 and in quality starts with 21. He's tied for first with Tarik Skubal with 16 wins, and he's second to Skubal in ERA at 2.94.

Yet, Lugo is still a long shot to win the AL Cy Young. Current BetMGM odds have him listed at +5000 , behind Skubal (-5000), Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase (+2000) and Orioles starter Corbin Burnes (+3000).

Considering where the Royals are — firmly in control of the second AL wild-card spot — and how Lugo has been the ace of their staff, it seems unfathomable that he and Skubal aren't running at least neck-to-neck as favorites.

Clase and Burnes are both fine pitchers, and they are having terrific seasons, but Lugo has been better than both. Only Skubal has a true case to challenge Lugo for the award, but he pitches for a team that probably won't make the postseason.

In truth, the Royals wouldn't be anywhere near the playoffs without Lugo's on-field performances and off-field leadership. He's only allowed more than three runs in a start six times in his 30 starts. In 14 of his starts, he's allowed one run or less, including his last three outings in September as the Royals are trying to secure that elusive postseason berth.

The lack of respect Lugo is getting nationally, and from the oddsmakers, is staggering. He has at least two more starts to make his case, but if he didn't move the needle much with his ace performance against the Yankees, it's doubtful there is anything else he can do to convince voters that he deserves the Cy Young.