ROYALS ADD ERCEG
The Kansas City Royals acquired pitcher Lucas Erceg from the Oakland Athletics for pitchers Mason Barnett and Will Klein and outfielder Jared Dickey.
What does it give the Kansas City Royals
Erceg provides the Royals with another high-leverage bullpen arm. For their playoff push, Kansas City already brought Hunter Harvey into the late-inning mix with James McArthur, but they also lost John Schreiber to the injured list in recent days. Erceg had notched three saves and 12 holds in a similar role with the Athletics this season. He has a solid 41:13 strikeout ratio in 36.2 innings. He could make a difference with the Royals.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
Erceg emerged as a useful setup man, but Oakland was able to get a good haul of prospects for him. Barnett was one of Kansas City's top pitching prospects, a starter currently in Double-A ball. Klein is a reliever who has shown promise in the minors, but he struggled in his first MLB action. He should get another look with the A's this season. Dickey, an outfielder, was a 2023 draft pick who will continue to develop in Oakland's organization.
Fantasy impact
Erceg's value will only increase with this trade. Despite Kansas City's bullpen depth, he should be in line for more holds in a similar high-leverage role. This will make him of interest in most fantasy formats. Meanwhile, the prospects going to Oakland are not on the fantasy radar just yet, but Barnett in particular could be worth keeping an eye on in the years to come.
