The Kansas City Royals reportedly acquired right-handed reliever Lucas Erceg from the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. He is just in his second MLB season after debuting at 28. Erceg is the third pitcher the Royals have traded for this season. Kansas City grabbed Michael Lorenzen from the Texas Rangers on Monday and Hunter Harvey from the Washington Nationals earlier this month.
The Kansas City Royals are finalizing a deal to acquire right-handed reliever Lucas Erceg from the Oakland A’s, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2024
Royals Acquire Lucas Erceg From Athletics
Erceg has impressed in 2024, being one of the bright spots on a struggling A’s squad. He’s posted a 3.68 ERA in 38 appearances. Erceg limits baserunners decently well with a 1.20 WHIP. He’s struggled in his last seven performances with a 6.35 ERA. But that’s slightly misleading, with all four runs coming from one outing against the Los Angeles Angels on July 21. Erceg originally broke out in April, pitching a 0.82 ERA with 15 strikeouts. Since then, he’s been somewhat shaky, struggling to have an ERA below 4.50 in the following three months.
Erceg was a late bloomer after being a second-round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016. He landed with Oakland in a trade in May of last season. Erceg’s contract was selected two days later to make his MLB debut. He posted a 4.75 ERA in 50 contests last year but struggled with 36 walks and a 1.58 WHIP. He has much improved in that category, allowing just 13 walks in 2024. Erceg, in total, has pitched just 91 ⅔ innings at the major league level in his career. He won’t be a free agent until 2030.
BREAKING: The #Royals are close to acquiring RHP Lucas Erceg from the Oakland Athletics, per @JeffPassan.
There is more power in the back end of the bullpen as Erceg averages 98.5mph on the the heater.
Plenty of red on the baseball savant page.
Isn’t a free agent till 2030. pic.twitter.com/NYlGPsML9R
— Jack Johnson (@JohnyJ_15) July 30, 2024
Oakland’s decision to move on from Erceg marks its first trade of the season. Shortly after dealing Erceg, the Athletics reportedly dealt starter Paul Blackburn to the New York Mets. The Athletics sit at the bottom of the American League West with a 44-64 record. There have been rumors regarding how much the club would sell at this year’s deadline. Rookie closer Mason Miller, who has dominated in 2024, is a name thrown around along with Erceg’s.
Main Photo Credits: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
