An Update on the Contract Desires of Former San Diego Padres, New York Mets Hurler

We heard on Tuesday that the Detroit Tigers are targeting free agent pitcher Seth Lugo in free agency, and now we know what Lugo is looking for.

The following comes from MLBTradeRumors but includes the original subscriber link:

Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports that while Lugo is indeed of interest to the Tigers, they prefer him on a one-year deal. Lugo is seeking a three-year guarantee this winter, per the report.

This makes sense on all fronts. The Tigers clearly like Lugo at a one-year deal because he's 34-years-old. Keeping a player of that age to a one-year deal gives them flexibility financially both now and in the future. Lugo, of course, wants a multi-year deal because this might be his only real chance at a serious free agent deal. He wants to maximize it.

Perhaps there's a compromise in there for a two-year deal with some kind of option for a third. That could be a good way to make everyone happy.

In general, the Tigers have an immense need for starting pitching.

Eduardo Rodriguez, who was signed to be the team's ace before the 2022 season, has opted out of his deal and is now a free agent. Furthermore, the Tigers have dealt with a ton of injuries to their rotation over the last few years. The young core of Casey Mize, Matt Manning and Tarik Skubal has hardly been healthy together, so bringing in some veteran reinforcements could help bring stability to the group.

Mize is coming back off Tommy John surgery and should be ready to contribute right away in 2024, but he hasn't pitched now since early 2022.

As for Lugo, he's served as both a starter and a reliever in his career with the Padres and Mets. He's 40-31 lifetime with a 3.50 ERA. He had a 3.57 in total in 2023 for San Diego. The righty made his debut in 2016 and features an excellent curveball.

The Tigers finished second in the American League Central in 2023 and are looking to take an even bigger jump in 2024.

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