MLB in brief: Seth Lugo in San Diego | The Blue Jays want a left-handed stick

Seth Lugo’s agreement with the Padres is expected to be for two years and just north of $15 million, with an opt-out after 2023, source tells The Athletic.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) December 19, 2022

Kodai Senga says that Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer were the 2 pitchers he would watch before each of his starts in Japan and how it’s surreal to be pitching with both of them: pic.twitter.com/CaRyAXmLri

—SNY (@SNYtv) December 19, 2022

Bats now a focus for #BlueJays. GM Ross Atkins tells Toronto media Jays will likely “shift to offensive improvement” after adding Bassitt & Kiermaier last week. Ideally an LH hitter, most likely an OF, could come via free agency – “we’re not limited financially” – or trade.

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) December 19, 2022

As for the possibility of trading a young C, GM Ross Atkins said market for catching is “exceptionally strong.” Means Jays will have option of deals if they so choose. Yet Atkins said #BlueJays are “100% comfortable (keeping all 3 and) remaining in that position of strength.”

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) December 19, 2022

Chris Bassitt says he hates losing more than he likes winning. That motivates him as he prepares for each start.

“If I win, it doesn’t do much for me. If I lose, it drives me absolutely bonkers.”

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) December 19, 2022