After exchanging farewell hugs with his now former D’backs teammates, Grichuk brimmed with anticipation on his way to the airport. He was joining the Royals ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. He was embarking on a new path.

Seth Lugo was listed as the No. 1 starting pitcher available before Thursday's trade deadline, but the Royals indicated they are buying after signing him to a two-year contract extension.

The Kansas City Royals signed right-hander Seth Lugo to a two-year extension worth $46 million guaranteed on Monday, a signal they intend to push for a second consecutive playoff appearance rather than sell ahead of this week’s trade deadline.

Several contenders were interested in trading for the veteran starting pitcher ahead of Thursday’s MLB trade deadline.

The Kansas City Royals and right-hander Seth Lugo have agreed to a two-year extension that includes a vesting option for the 2028 season, a person familiar with the negotiations said Sunday night.

Kansas City right-hander Seth Lugo, once thought to be a prime trade candidate before Thursday’s deadline, will stay with the Royals for a two-year, $46 million contract extension, according to multiple reports on Sunday night.

The Royals optioned Hoffmann to Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday. Hoffmann was called up by Kansas City on Friday and appeared in two games during his brief time in the majors, allowing four runs (none earned) with a 1:4 K:BB over 2.2 innings. The 25-year-old will now head back to Omaha, where he has a 2.31 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 31 outings this season.

Pitcher Rich Hill makes MLB history by starting for his 14th different team, the Kansas City Royals. The veteran is the oldest player in MLB.