From Pittsburgh Pirates On SI · · 1m 40s
Pirates Target Lucas Erceg for Bullpen Fix
Pirates see Lucas Erceg as perfect trade target to strengthen bullpen.
In brief
Pirates see Lucas Erceg as perfect trade target to strengthen bullpen. Pirates could trade for Lucas Erceg to fix bullpen after his 2026 struggles. Originally reported by Pittsburgh Pirates On SI.
Pirates Need Bullpen Help
Pirates need additional help in back-end bullpen after 2026 season.
Mason Montgomery Success
Montgomery was fantastic for Pirates in 2026 after Tampa Bay Rays trade.
Luke Weaver Status
Weaver is borderline elite option despite 4.96 ERA over 16 1/3 innings.
Yohan Ramirez Inconsistency
Ramirez was second-best reliever with 2.86 ERA but has major command concerns.
Lake Bachar Role
Bachar had 2.57 ERA in 28 innings over 15 appearances for Pirates.
Pirates Need Bullpen Arms
Pirates need at least one true high-leverage bullpen arm this offseason.
Lucas Erceg Background
Erceg was second-round pick by Milwaukee Brewers in 2016 MLB Draft.
Erceg's 2021-2024 Career
Erceg made MLB debut with Oakland Athletics in 2023 after trade.
Erceg's 2024 Performance
Erceg logged 4.32 ERA with 3.37 FIP and 10.7 K/9 over 88 appearances.
Erceg's 2025 Success
Erceg finished 2025 with 2.64 ERA across 61 outings totaling 61 1/3 frames.
Erceg's 2026 Struggles
Erceg put up 5.59 ERA in 48 1/3 innings for Kansas City in 2026.
Royals' 2026 Record
Royals finished 2026 with 69-93 record and second-worst bullpen ERA.
Erceg's 2026 Stats
Erceg had 14.0 percent walk rate up from 7.2 percent in 2025.
Pirates' Trade Opportunity
Pirates could trade for Erceg to fix bullpen as he's under club control through 2029.
What matters most
Pirates could trade for Lucas Erceg to fix bullpen after his 2026 struggles.
