Kris Bubic’s breakout season has come to a screeching halt, and it’s like watching a movie cut off just before the best scene.

Seth Lugo signed on for two more seasons, with the contract holding a vesting option for a third year. The pact guarantees the 35-year-old right-handed pitcher at least $46 million. For whatever you think of the deal — too rich, rather cheap or just right — we should back up to acknowledge a bigger picture:

Kansas City Royals starter Seth Lugo was a top candidate to be traded until he received a contract extension on Monday.