The Athletics parted ways with one of their best relievers.
Oakland sold right-handed pitcher Lucas Erceg to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for right-handed pitchers Mason Barnett and Will Klein, as well as outfielder Jared Dickey, the team said Tuesday, after ESPN’s Jeff Passan’s initial report.
Erceg will not be eligible for arbitration until 2027 and cannot enter MLB free agency until 2030. He is due $750,000 and is under contract for another five years.
Along with A’s All-Star closer Mason Miller, Erceg allegedly received a lot of trade interest from teams across the league before the deadline. Miller’s bullpen appearances have put him up to be a dominant closer for the majority of the 2024 season.
The 29-year-old righty has a 3.68 ERA in 50 MLB appearances through the 2024 season, and his fastball averages 98.8 mph, ranking 13th in the league.
With Kansas City, Erceg may get a shot to close as James McArthur struggles.
Meanwhile, Oakland will have to find other solutions without Erceg while Miller recovers from a broken hand.
