Royals' Seth Lugo Recalls Impact of Kauffman Stadium Dimension Changes

Pitcher reflects on how the new outfield fences would have affected his past performances

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:54am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher in motion, with the pitcher's form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conveying the strategic complexities of pitching in a stadium with changing dimensions.Lugo's insights on Kauffman Stadium's new dimensions reveal the strategic complexities pitchers must navigate in an evolving ballpark.Stanton Today

Royals pitcher Seth Lugo has a unique perspective on the recent changes to Kauffman Stadium's dimensions. While known for his diverse pitch arsenal, Lugo revealed a surprising preference - a weaker memory. He explained that it's easier to pitch with a bad memory, as it allows him to forget past hits that would have been home runs with the new, closer fences. Lugo recalled a specific playoff game where Giancarlo Stanton's double off the wall stood out, noting that it likely would have been a home run under the new dimensions.

Why it matters

The Royals' decision to move in the outfield fences this season has generated excitement among hitters, but Lugo's comments highlight how the changes could also impact pitchers. His insights illustrate the strategic implications of the new dimensions and how they could alter the game's dynamics at The K.

The details

Lugo discussed the fences changes with Royals general manager J.J. Picollo, who provided him with information and stats showing how the new dimensions would have affected Lugo's past performances. Lugo recalled one specific hit, a double by Giancarlo Stanton, that would have been a home run under the new setup. The pitcher acknowledged that he can't control the outcome, but said the team's strategy will be to "keep the balls out of the gaps, keep to the big part of the field, or keep it on the ground."

  • The hit by Giancarlo Stanton that Lugo recalled occurred in Game 3 of the 2024 ALDS.

The players

Seth Lugo

A Royals pitcher known for his diverse 10-pitch arsenal.

J.J. Picollo

The Royals' general manager, who provided Lugo with information about how the new stadium dimensions would have impacted his past performances.

Giancarlo Stanton

A Major League Baseball player whose double off the wall in the 2024 ALDS would have been a home run under the new Kauffman Stadium dimensions, according to Lugo.

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What they’re saying

“I wish my memory was a lot worse. It's a lot easier to pitch with a bad memory.”

— Seth Lugo, Royals Pitcher

“Me and J.J. spoke about how much it would have affected my last two seasons. He gave me some information and stats, and I can think of one hit, a double, that would have been a home run if the fences were in.”

— Seth Lugo, Royals Pitcher

“It was in the playoffs, Stanton's double off the wall.”

— Seth Lugo, Royals Pitcher

“Keep the balls out of the gaps, keep to the big part of the field, or keep it on the ground. It shouldn't make much of a difference from what we're trying to do.”

— Seth Lugo, Royals Pitcher

The takeaway

Lugo's perspective offers a unique take on the Kauffman Stadium dimension changes, blending his pitching skills with the strategic implications of the new fences. His insights highlight how the alterations could impact both hitters and pitchers, and how teams will need to adjust their approaches accordingly.