Why KC Royals pitcher Seth Lugo deserves chance to start 2024 MLB All-Star Game

Kansas City Royals ace Cole Ragans concluded his postgame remarks with a parting thought on Saturday.

“We have another game tomorrow and we’ve got our guy on the mound,” he said.

Ragans put emphasis on the words “our guy” … who happens to be longtime reliever-turned-starting pitcher Seth Lugo.

Lugo, who joined the Royals this offseason, has quietly turned into the best pitcher in Major League Baseball.

And he has done it with elite consistency.

On Sunday, Lugo masterfully navigated the Cleveland Guardians’ lineup in the Royals’ 6-2 victory. He tossed six scoreless innings and registered 10 strikeouts. A single Guardians baserunner reached second during his time on the mound.

Lugo allowed just four hits and collected his MLB-leading 11th victory. He currently owns a 2.17 ERA, which is also the best in the game.

“It’s really hard to quantify or come up with new ways to talk about how good he’s been,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We know how challenging that lineup is and with all those lefties in there. … Whatever he had to do, he was executing.”

Lugo is on pace to win 20 games this season. It would be the first time a Royals pitcher has done that since Bret Saberhagen in 1989.

He could also join Saberhagen in one more category. Lugo is making a case to start the 2024 MLB All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas this summer. Saberhagen was the last Royals pitcher to start the Midsummer Classic in 1987.

And the only one.

“I certainly don’t know how he couldn’t be in consideration for it,” Quatraro said. “The last I knew, he was leading the league in wins and he is up there in ERA. He has done everything you could possibly do.”

Lugo’s teammates agree.

“I don’t know if there is any potential about it,” Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. said of Lugo’s All-Star candidacy. “It’s unbelievable what he is doing and (he is) just dominating. The work he puts in both on and off the field. I’ve been calling him the surgeon for a reason. He’s just dissecting hitters up there.”

The American League contingent will be managed by Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. He is likely to have a couple of options for the starting nod. Lugo is joined by Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes and Detroit Tigers star Tarik Skubal atop the AL pitching ranks.

Lugo has put himself in a good position. He has 14 quality starts and has recorded eight or more strikeouts seven times this season.

He has also set multiple career benchmarks. He recorded his 50th career win recently and crossed the 100-strikeout mark for the fourth time.

“One hundred percent. Lugo deserves to go to the All-Star Game,” Royals captain Salvador Perez said.

Lugo provided a candid response when asked about his All-Star chances. He continues to propel the Royals forward and would be honored if given the opportunity to represent the franchise in his first appearance.

“For me, it’s about putting in the work, trusting myself and trusting my process,” he said. “You know, it’s a little satisfaction that I’m doing some good things.”

As for earning the starting nod …

“That would be awesome,” Lugo said. “Something I didn’t ever dream of, so it would be a really cool surprise.”