Lucas Erceg – Kansas City Royals Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Lucas Erceg has carved out a name for himself in Major League Baseball since his debut. Born May 1, 1995, in San Jose, California, Erceg’s path to the majors started when the Milwaukee Brewers drafted him in the second round (46th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Menlo College.

He impressed scouts during college and landed a hefty $1.15 million signing bonus. That’s not bad for a second-rounder, right?

Right now, Erceg suits up for the Kansas City Royals on a one-year, $776,750 contract that’s fully guaranteed. This is a bump up from his last salary of $720,000, which says a lot about his rising stock. His net worth sits at about $1.67 million, a number that reflects his steady climb through the pro ranks.

Before the majors, Erceg flashed serious skills at Westmont High School. He hit .437 and, on the mound, posted a 0.59 ERA with 106 strikeouts over 84 innings. That kind of versatility helped him stand out early and paved the way for his move from top prospect to established MLB player. If you’re following the 2025 season, he’s definitely a name to keep an eye on.

Early Life and Baseball Career Beginnings

Erceg’s road to pro baseball started in California and wound through college before he popped up as a real MLB draft hopeful.

Background and Schooling

Lucas Stijepan Erceg was born in San Jose to parents Slavko and Lee. He went to Westmont High School, where he quickly made waves as a two-way player.

At Westmont, he hit .437 and also shined on the mound. He finished his senior year with a 9-3 record, a 0.59 ERA, and 106 strikeouts in 84 innings.

That rare two-way ability set him apart and gave him a solid launchpad for bigger things.

Amateur Achievements and Prospect Status

After high school, Erceg kept playing ball at the college level. He started at a bigger program, but later transferred to Menlo College, where he sharpened his skills even more.

At Menlo, he kept impressing as both a hitter and a pitcher. MLB scouts started to notice, and his draft stock climbed.

He hit left-handed and threw right-handed, which made him an interesting prospect. That combo, plus his athleticism, helped him rise up the draft boards just in time for 2016.

Transition to Professional Baseball

The Milwaukee Brewers picked Erceg in the second round (46th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft. They clearly liked what they saw.

They first developed him as a position player, focusing on his third base skills. Erceg worked his way through the Brewers’ minor league system, facing all the usual hurdles of pro ball.

But here’s the twist: Erceg eventually switched to pitching. Even though they drafted him as a hitter, his strong arm and pitching background from high school and college came in handy as his career took a new direction.

This move eventually landed him with the Kansas City Royals, where he now pitches in the big leagues.

Professional Career and Performance Highlights

Erceg’s professional journey really highlights his shift from infield prospect to a pretty dominant relief pitcher. You can see his adaptability and determination as he’s turned into a valuable bullpen piece.

Minor League Progression and Development

Erceg kicked off his pro career after the Milwaukee Brewers drafted him. They started him as an infielder, and he showed some promise with both the bat and glove at third base in the minors.

Then, in 2021, the Brewers made a big decision: they converted Erceg to pitching at Double-A Biloxi. He made his first 22 professional pitching appearances there, including 13 starts.

That move really brought out his arm talent and adaptability. His high school days—batting .437 and going 9-3 with a 0.59 ERA—gave him a good base for the switch.

He started throwing with more velocity and missing more bats in the minors. Maybe pitching was always his true calling.

Major League Debut and Impact

After his conversion, Erceg finally got the call to the majors. His fastball and pitch mix quickly caught people’s attention.

He could handle high-leverage situations, even though he hadn’t been pitching professionally for that long. His fastball sat in the upper 90s, and his secondary stuff kept hitters honest.

He looked comfortable in late-inning spots. Teammates and coaches noticed how calm he stayed, especially since he was still pretty new to pitching at that level.

He adjusted to major league hitters faster than expected. That raised some eyebrows about just how high his ceiling could be as a reliever.

Role as Closer and Bullpen Contributor

As Erceg got more experience, his role grew in the bullpen, and he started to look like a future closer. His high-velocity fastball and sharper breaking pitches made him tough on both lefties and righties.

He showed the mental toughness you need in the late innings. When he hit bumps in the road, he bounced back quickly—something you want from a bullpen guy.

He did spend some time on the IL, which slowed him down for a bit. But he got back on track and kept building his reputation as a reliable reliever.

His strikeout numbers really popped, especially in big moments. By 2025, people considered him an intriguing trade candidate thanks to his team-friendly contract and his upside as a power arm.

Team Changes and Trade History

Erceg’s career has included some key team changes. After his time developing with the Brewers, he moved to the White Sox, where he kept refining his pitching.

The biggest move came when he landed with the Kansas City Royals and signed a 1-year, $776,750 contract. That contract, fully guaranteed, showed the Royals believed in his ability as a high-leverage reliever.

At the trade deadline, teams like the Nationals checked in, hoping to add his arm to their bullpen.

Erceg’s ability to adapt to new teams and coaching styles helped him grow. Each stop taught him something new and added to his development as a pitcher.

Contract Details and Salary Progression

Erceg’s contract history really tells the story of his unusual path—from infield prospect to relief pitcher. His earnings have grown steadily as he’s found his place in the majors.

Initial Signing and Minor League Contracts

The Brewers took him in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Menlo College. He signed for a $1.15 million bonus, a bit below the slot value for that pick.

In the minors, Erceg made standard pay while developing as a third baseman. Things changed after he switched to pitching, which ended up reshaping his career and future contracts.

He later joined the Oakland Athletics organization and kept working under minor league deals. On May 19, 2023, the A’s selected his contract, putting him on their 40-man roster and calling him up.

MLB Contract Terms and Salary Structure

When he reached the majors with Oakland in 2023, Erceg earned the prorated MLB minimum. His solid relief work got other teams’ attention, and soon his pay reflected that.

For 2025, Erceg is playing on a one-year, $776,750 deal with the Royals. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Base Salary: $776,750
• Guaranteed Money: $776,750
• Average Annual Value: $776,750

That’s a nice jump from his previous $720,000, showing the steady progression typical for pre-arbitration players. As a reliever still establishing himself, this contract fits where he’s at in his career.

Arbitration and Free Agency Timeline

Erceg’s service time clock started when he debuted with Oakland in May 2023. Under the current rules, he’ll need three years of MLB service to become arbitration-eligible.

If he keeps adding service time, arbitration could come after the 2025 season. At that point, his salary could jump, depending on:

• How well he performs
• His health
• His bullpen role
• How he compares to other relievers

Free agency is a little farther off. He’ll need six full years of service, so we’re talking around 2028 or 2029, depending on how things shake out. His long-term earnings will really hinge on how well he keeps performing in high-leverage spots.

Net Worth, Earnings, and Financial Overview

Lucas Erceg has built up a decent financial base through his baseball career so far. His earnings mainly come from his MLB contracts.

Estimated Net Worth and Income Sources

Based on current numbers, Erceg’s net worth is about $1,672,585. His main income is his baseball salary, which has gone up as he’s become a regular in the majors.

He’s making $776,750 a year with the Royals right now. That’s a solid jump from his earlier paychecks, and it’s all guaranteed, which gives him some financial stability.

Of course, his earnings get hit by the usual MLB player taxes, which can take a pretty big bite given how tax brackets work in the US. As a pro athlete bouncing between states, Erceg probably deals with “jock taxes” and all the paperwork that comes with playing games across the country.

Endorsements and Off-Field Ventures

Unlike some of the bigger MLB names out there, Erceg has kept a pretty low endorsement profile so far. As a relief pitcher drafted in the second round (46th overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016, he hasn’t had the same marketing chances as star position players or high-profile starters.

He probably focuses his financial planning on getting the most out of his career earnings through solid work on the field. Born in San Jose, California, he could have investments or business interests back home, but he’s kept any off-field ventures private.

A lot of pros like Erceg work with financial advisors to keep their earnings on track, especially since baseball careers don’t last forever and planning for what comes after is pretty important.

Playing Style, Skills, and Notable Achievements

Lucas Erceg turned himself into a valuable pitcher for the Kansas City Royals. He’s shown sharp command on the mound and proven he can handle high-pressure situations.

Switching from infield to pitching really showed off his versatility and athleticism.

Pitching Arsenal and Performance Metrics

Erceg uses a solid mix of pitches, which has helped him keep a 3.68 ERA over 36 2/3 innings with the Royals. His fastball usually sits in the mid-90s, and his slider is the pitch he leans on when he needs an out.

The movement on his breaking stuff gives hitters a tough time.

Advanced stats back up his skills. Erceg’s SIERA numbers show he’s not just lucky or benefiting from great defense—he’s got real pitching chops.

Teams value how he limits hard contact, keeping the ball in the park more often than not.

When the game’s on the line, Erceg stays calm. He’s become a dependable option for late-inning work.

Strikeout and Walk Rates

Erceg built his reputation as a strikeout pitcher with solid control. His strikeout rate shows he can get swings and misses, especially against righties.

Looking at his walk rate, Erceg shows above-average command for someone who throws with power. This mix of strikeout ability and command makes him especially valuable when the pressure’s on.

He keeps home runs to a minimum, which is a big deal in hitter-friendly parks. By working low in the zone and getting ground balls, he limits damage when hitters do make contact.

Compared to league averages, his K/BB ratio puts him among the more efficient relievers out there.

Key Career Highlights and Awards

Erceg pulled off a rare feat in the postseason—he became the third pitcher in MLB history to record two saves while allowing no runs and no hits in his first two postseason games. That’s not something you see every day, and it says a lot about his nerves.

His journey from being picked in the second round (46th overall) of the 2016 draft by the Milwaukee Brewers to locking down a key spot in the Royals bullpen really shows how much he’s grown.

Erceg isn’t usually the guy getting performance bonuses, but his current deal reflects his rising value. With a salary of $776,750 from the Royals, he brings a lot to the table for the price.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Lucas Erceg’s story goes beyond baseball. It includes family, personal challenges, and community involvement that have shaped who he is.

Family and Background

Born on May 1, 1995, Lucas Stijepan Erceg comes from a family with Croatian roots. His parents, Slavko and Lee Erceg, supported him as he moved up through youth baseball.

He went to Westmont High School, where he stood out as both a hitter and a pitcher. He batted .437 and posted a wild 0.59 ERA with 106 strikeouts in 84 innings.

His road to pro baseball wasn’t always smooth. Erceg has been open about his struggles with alcohol and depression, which affected his social life and early career.

Charitable Work and Social Engagement

Even though Erceg’s faced some tough times, he’s tried to turn those experiences into something good for others. He often uses his platform as a pro athlete to talk openly about mental health in sports.

His path—from personal struggles to making it professionally—puts him in a unique spot to speak up for other players who deal with similar stuff. You’ll find Erceg joining community outreach programs, especially ones that focus on youth and mental health.

With the Kansas City Royals, he stays involved in the local scene through team events. When he shares his own challenges, it really helps break down the stigma and gets more people talking about mental health in sports.