Steven Lerud

Steven James Lerud (born October 13, 1984) is an American former professional baseball catcher, who is currently a manager in the Chicago Cubs organization. During his playing days, he briefly played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies (–).

Early life Steven Lerud was born in Reno, Nevada. Lerud attended to Galena High School, in Reno, Nevada.

Playing career Pittsburgh Pirates Lerud was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third round of the 2003 Major League Baseball draft. On November 9, 2009, he elected free agency.

Baltimore Orioles On December 7, 2009, Lerud signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals. However, on March 27, 2010, Lerud was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for a player to be named later. In 58 appearances split between the Double-A Bowie Baysox and Triple-A Norfolk Tides, he slashed a combined .190/.316/.351 with six home runs and 16 RBI. Lerud elected free agency following the season on November 6.

Lerud re-signed with the Orioles organization on a new minor league contract on December 26, 2010. He spent the 2011 campaign with Double-A Bowie, batting .193/.269/.303 with five home runs and 30 RBI. Lerud elected free agency again on November 2, 2011.

Philadelphia Phillies On December 9, 2011, Lerud signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, who promoted him to the big leagues on August 24, 2012. He appeared in 3 MLB games during his rookie campaign, batting .200, in 10 at-bats. Lerud was subsequently dropped from the 40-man roster after the end of that season, but signed a 2013 minor league contract with the Phillies' organization. He appeared in 6 major league games with the Phillies in 2013, going hitless in 5 at-bats.

Washington Nationals On January 12, 2015 Lerud signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals he was assigned to Triple–A Syracuse Chiefs the same day. He elected free agency on November 7.

Seattle Mariners On February 3, 2016, Lerud signed a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners and received an invite to spring training. He was released by the Mariners on April 7.

San Francisco Giants On April 27, 2016, Lerud signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants organization. In 60 games for the Triple–A Sacramento River Cats, he batted .229/.385/.288 with one home run and 19 RBI. Lerud elected free agency following the season on November 7.

Texas Rangers On January 5, 2017, Lerud signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers that included an invitation to spring training. He did not appear in a game for the organization and elected free agency following the season on November 6.

Coaching career On January 19, 2018, Lerud was named as manager of the Minor League Baseball (MiLB) Low–A Eugene Emeralds, a Northwest League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. In 2019, Lerud was named as manager for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the High–A affiliate for the Cubs.