# Pirates Target Lucas Erceg for Bullpen Fix

> Pirates see Lucas Erceg as perfect trade target to strengthen bullpen.
- Title: Pirates Target Lucas Erceg for Bullpen Fix | Shortify
- Summary: Pirates see Lucas Erceg as perfect trade target to strengthen bullpen. Pirates could trade for Lucas Erceg to fix bullpen after his 2026 struggles.
- Keywords: pittsburgh pirates, lucas erceg, bullpen, trade market, mlb, relievers, kansas city royals, sports, Pirates, Target, Lucas, Erceg
- Source: Pittsburgh Pirates On SI — https://si.com/mlb/pirates/onsi/pittsburgh-pirates-perfect-buy-low-trade-target-bullpen
- Published: 2026-10-19T11:00:06+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pittsburgh pirates, lucas erceg, bullpen, trade market, mlb, relievers, kansas city royals, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Pirates could trade for Lucas Erceg to fix bullpen after his 2026 struggles.