Have the Royals found an impact bat to aid their playoff push?

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 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.

The Kansas City Royals acquired veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday.

The Royals placed All-Star left-hander Kris Bubic on the 15-day injured list with a rotator cuff strain and outfielder Jac Caglianone on the 10-day IL with a strained left hamstring amid a series of moves before their series finale against Cleveland on Sunday.

Seth Lugo, who had been regarded as one of the best potential trade candidates this deadline season, will remain with the Royals on a two-year, $46 million extension, sources told ESPN.

The Royals’ outfield ranks last in the majors in offensive output, with a 64 wRC+, 17% worse than the second-worst outfield.

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.