Kansas City Royals reliever Lucas Erceg welcomed a new addition to his household this offseason.

Erceg and his wife Emma became parents to a young daughter. The couple welcomed Elsie Marie, who was born last December.

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“We (don’t have) a lot to complain about,” Erceg said. “Our baby, Elsie, is doing fantastic and so is my wife Emma. You know, I think we have Elsie on a really good routine. Thus far, she is six weeks old. Obviously, leading up to the birth, we didn’t know what to expect. Once it happened, there was no rulebook or anything to go by. We just heard from friends and family on what it was going to look like. But we really didn’t have a good idea of that until we brought her home.”

There’s an intrinsic link between fatherhood and baseball. The sport offers players a way to bond on different levels. And fatherhood is one of those ways teammates can offer help and support.

It’s not uncommon to see kids in the clubhouse after team victories. The players find joy in the intimate moments the game provides. It creates opportunities where they can share their passion for the game in real time with their children.

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For Erceg, the idea of fatherhood was always present. He wanted to share his experiences in and around baseball with his kids. And in that comes a deeper perspective as a player, athlete and, more importantly, a father.

“Even before we had a child, the expectation of this job is to perform at the highest level and find success,” Erceg said. “So in that regard, I don’t find too much of a difference in my game plan and my approach to the business side of baseball and what it entails. I just want to keep doing well and I’m just happy that I have one more face to come home to after games. So, it’s going to be exciting to take her to new cities and have her experience different things once she is a little bit older and can kind of pick up on what’s going on.”

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Erceg will enter his third campaign with the Royals. He posted a 2.64 ERA in 61 relief appearances last season.

The Royals utilized him in a fireman role. He expects to continue to pitch in high-leverage situations in 2026. The bullpen will also be strengthened with the additions of Matt Strahm, Nick Mears and Alex Lange this offseason.

Erceg is ready for the upcoming season. He admitted his 2025 was a mixed bag — in some respects — given how he performed. This offseason, Erceg honed in on his preparation.

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“I’m not going to measure it up to a good and a bad,” Erceg said. “I think there are plenty of things that I did right and there are also plenty of things that I could’ve done better in retrospect. I think that’s what makes this game so beautiful. … It’s not all about numbers in my head, per se, but I think the more we can focus on the little things and do all the little things correctly. It helps you dig out of those ruts a little bit quicker.”

The Royals are excited to chart Erceg’s growth, while also taking stock in the personal side of things. Royals pitching coach Brian Sweeney understands the joy that fatherhood can provide. He noted the learning curve associated with being a new dad — from changing diapers to refilling bottles — that are paramount in a player’s daily life.

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Sweeney is readily available to offer advice as needed — alongside Erceg’s teammates and other parents within the organization.

“We’re gonna have to build a stadium for all the kids these guys are having now,” Sweeney joked. “I mean, there are so many children. That’s difficult too, right? You’re a new dad and you have a child. What does that routine look like? You’ve got to show up for your wife and son or daughter as well. So that’s a different routine that needs adjusting. And a lot of these guys, they ask for advice. They talk with older guys with kids, the (Michael) Wachas and the (Seth) Lugos and they figure it out.”

Royals manager Matt Quatraro agrees. He said Erceg has come into big-league camp in a great spot and ready to compete. He is excited to watch Erceg tap into the in-depth knowledge that fatherhood provides.

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“I think the first time you are a parent and the perspective it provides on life in general certainly transfers to the baseball field,” Quatraro said. “So it’s cool to see these guys embrace it.”

Erceg has certainly done that. He relishes the chance to help guide Elsie as she continues to grow and learn.

“I have nothing to complain about,” Erceg said. “This is the best time of my life. And you know, I didn’t think it could get any better just being in the position that I’m in. But now, I get to bring her along with us and just follow and watch her grow. It’s amazing just to be by her side every moment.”