When the Royals won the World Series in 2015, the back end of their bullpen was a strength and were well established stars. I’m not going to compare this year’s bullpen or team with them yet, but I’m going to celebrate Lucas Erceg’s success.

Back in 2017 when I took these pictures, Lucas was trying to make it as an infielder in the Brewers organization. He made the move to the mound and made his ML debut with Oakland in 2023. His start was inauspicious if I’m being kind. His numbers this season were good enough to get him traded to the Royals.

He’s already saved the two games in the Wild Card series against Baltimore.