November 21, 2024
Lucas

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.

 

Tigers' bats silenced in 4-1 loss to Royals; series tied – The Oakland Press
Mason Barnett

 

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.

Will Klein strikes out two in his Major League debut | 04/28/2024 | MLB.com
Will Klein

 

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.

 

2023 Draft: Jared Dickey, OF | 04/24/2023 | MLB.com
Jared Dickey

 

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.

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