Lucas Erceg

Erceg posted a 3.68 ERA and 41:13 K:BB over 36.2 innings for the Athletics before the team capitalized on the prices being paid in the relief market, trading him to Kansas City at the end of July. The 29-year-old former infielder was even more impressive for the Royals, posting a 2.88 ERA and 0.84 WHIP with 31 strikeouts against only three walks across 25 innings. After tallying only three saves with the A's, Erceg racked up 11 of Kansas City's 15 saves after the team acquired him. He went slider heavy as he moved into the closer role, increasing his usage of the pitch by 13.2 percent compared to 2023. Conversely, he tossed fewer changeups, which was his best pitch the year prior. Erceg is under team control through 2029 and is the favorite to open 2025 as the Royals closer, but the role could become shared if Hunter Harvey proves healthy or James McArthur performs well during spring training. Read Past Outlooks