3 former Mets players who had a big opening weekend

3) Seth Lugo

Now with the Kansas City Royals, Seth Lugo is coming off a year where he proved the Mets should’ve reconsidered moving him to the rotation. He was reliable for the San Diego Padres last year and parlayed it into a multi-year contract with the Royals this winter. He made his American League debut on Saturday against the Minnesota Twins, tossing 6 scoreless.

Not factoring into the decision, Lugo gave up 2 hits in addition to walking and hitting a batter. A late rally by the Twins would cost him a chance at a victory which he was in line for after exiting with a 1-0 lead.

Still a well-liked and respected member of Mets history, Lugo was someone whose time in New York was remembered mostly for how effective he was as a reliever. The partial UCL tear might’ve scared the Mets off from transitioning back into a starter’s role as did the need for such a steady presence in the bullpen.

Lugo made 26 starts last year for the Padres. He finished with an 8-7 record, 3.57 ERA, and 146.1 innings. His contract will pay him $15 million this season and next with a player option for 2026 worth the same.