Royals Starter Seth Lugo Recalls Red Sox Free Agency Pursuit

The Boston Red Sox continued their series against the Royals at Fenway Park on Saturday, and they went up against a pitcher who they tried to pursue in free agency.

Seth Lugo signed a three-year, $45 million contract with Kansas City last offseason, and the All-Star pitcher had a great first half of the season. Heading into Saturday, the 34-year-old led MLB with a 2.11 ERA and led the American League with 11 wins.

Boston was among multiple suitors for Lugo’s services in free agency, but it fell short in trying to acquire another starting arm for the rotation. The veteran revealed details about his conversations with the Red Sox.

“Quite a bit,” Lugo told MassLive’s Chris Cotillo of Boston’s interest. “Talked to Alex (Cora) on the phone a couple times. Just didn’t work out that way … They were one of the last ones talking to me before we made the decision.”

Lugo admitted to MassLive that the fit with the Royals went beyond finances, and manager Alex Cora noted to Cotillo that he tried to recruit the right-hander for Team Puerto Rico for the World Baseball Classic. Lugo also revealed which former Red Sox player he spoke to for more information about the club.

“The history of the organization and the stadium (intrigued me),” Lugo said. “I’ve heard great things about playing for Boston. I was talking to (John) Schreiber when we got him in spring training and asking him so I could figure out what it could have looked like, considering it almost happened this offseason.”

Boston will look to get the better of Lugo when they face him Saturday. First pitch for the matchup is scheduled at 4:10 p.m. ET on NESN.