As Major League Baseball’s smallest market, the Milwaukee Brewers rely on prospect acquisition and development to compete. This has worked incredibly well over the last few years. Jackson Chourio is a bona fide star in the making, while Sal Frelick and Brice Turang won Gold Glove awards in 2024 for their defensive prowess.
Recent Brewers beer legends such as Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder were also drafted and developed by the Brewers in an era that led to newfound enthusiasm and competitiveness in Milwaukee.
However, for all the prospects that perform and succeed in the Majors, there are even more that don’t. For a while, it looked like Lucas Erceg would be one of those who didn’t see his potential.
Former Milwaukee Brewers Prospect Lucas Erceg struggled for a long time
Erceg was originally selected by the Brewers in the second round of the 2016 amateur draft. A hard-hitting third baseman, he made a sturdy first impression with the organization, hitting .327/.376/.518 in his first professional season. However, his batting numbers began to decline with each season.
In 2021, he hit just .221/.270/.379 with three home runs and 12 RBI in 50 games with Milwaukee’s Double-A affiliate.
Something had to change.
First, Erceg faced his battle with alcoholism and depression and received aid. This was the most significant step that allowed him to realize his Major League ambitions.
Secondly, he went from a position player to a pitcher.
Former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Lucas Erceg is projected to make his first All-Star team
After several years in Triple-A and not getting the results he and the organization wanted, Erceg’s contract was purchased by the Oakland Athletics. He made his Major League debut in 2023, going 4-4 in 50 appearances with a 4.75 ERA.
In 2024, Erceg was traded mid-season to the Kansas City Royals, with whom he was 0-3 with a 2.88 ERA and 11 saves.
Joel Reuter z Bleacher Report believes Erceg will be able to build on this solid run with Kansas City at the end of the season, and now he has solidified his closeness to making his first All-Star team in 2025:
“Originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers as a powerful third baseman in 2016, Lucas Erceg transferred to the team in 2021 and broke through as a surprise shortstop for the Athletics in 2023.
“The 29-year-old pitched well enough to prove to be a sought-after trade player last summer, and the Kansas City Royals acquired him and remaining control of the club through 2029 at the trade deadline in exchange for three prospects.
“He transitioned to a closer role with the Royals and saw a 2.88 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and a 31-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 25 innings after the trade, making 11 of 13 save opportunities.”
The above excerpt comes from an article in which Reuter lists 16 players who he believes could make their first All-Star squad next season. Former Brewers shortstop Willy Adames and current Milwaukee outfielder Jackson Chourio also made the list.
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