Padres Insider Believes RHP Seth Lugo Will Decline $8M Option and Enter Free Agency

He has more than earned a big payday this winter!

One of the biggest surprises from the 2023 season for the San Diego Padres has been the emergence of starting pitcher Seth Lugo. Lugo signed on with the Friars over the offseason, with the expectation to start games and help out in any way possible.

But even the most positive and hopeful outcomes of the year for him, couldn’t have seen the success he saw coming. Lugo put together a very solid year and is now likely to opt out of his contract with San Diego in the hopes of landing an even bigger contract this winter.

“Lugo has an $8 million option he will almost certainly decline, though the Padres could re-sign him on a new deal.”

Per Kevin Acee of The SD Union-Tribune

Over 24 games this season, Lugo owns an ERA of 3.83 and he has struck out 126 batters in 131.2 innings of work. It has been a very good year for the veteran, and he should be rewarded with a nice payday.

“(Nick Martinez) and Seth Lugo will do very well,” one agent said.

Per The SD Union-Tribune

San Diego would love to have Lugo back for next season. He could give them a solid option for the rotation next year, especially since pitcher Blake Snell is expected to leave this winter in free agency.

Lugo has been a stabilizing presence in the Padres rotation amid all of the other issues that have surrounded this team. He has given them a chance to win each time out on the mound, and they couldn’t have asked for more from him this season.

It has been an impressive year for Lugo, and one that has helped keep the Padres afloat. Without him, they wouldn’t even be in a position to possibly make the postseason, and they will need him to really step down over his last few starts of the year.