Seth Lugo Declines 2024 Option, Leaves Padres for Free Agency

Well, it was nice while it lasted with him...

Starting pitcher Seth Lugo has officially declined his player option for the 2024 season. He will now become a free agent and can negotiate with other teams on a new deal.

While it was expected to happen, it’s now official and it remains unlikely that Lugo finds himself back with the Padres for next season. Lugo has earned himself a nice contract this offseason, and the Padres aren’t interested in paying what it will take to retain him in all likelihood.

Lugo did put together a great season with San Diego, and he gave them a chance to win every time he took the mound. In 26 games, the veteran pitcher posted an ERA of 3.57 and had a WHIP of 1.20. He also added in 140 strikeouts over 146.1 innings of work.

He signed with the Padres with the promise of being a full-time starter for the first time in his career, and that seemed to work out well for him. In his other years with the New York Mets, Lugo was mainly used as a relief pitcher, and he wanted more for himself this year.

San Diego now has a clear need to fill in their starting rotation, but it won’t be easy.  Lugo came into the clubhouse and from day one, he was impactful for this team.

This is just one of the main things that the Padres need to figure out this offseason, and with the World Series now over, it starts now. Many will be watching what the Padres do this winter closely, and the hope is that they can get themselves back into the postseason next season.