Brewers Trade Isaac Collins to Royals for Angel Zerpa
The recent trade between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Kansas City Royals has drawn attention across the Major League Baseball landscape. The Brewers have traded outfielder Isaac Collins and right-hander Nick Mears to the Royals in exchange for left-handed pitcher Angel Zerpa.
Details of the Trade
This transaction comes as the Royals look to bolster their outfield during the offseason. After signing outfielder Lane Thomas, Kansas City has now acquired Collins, a switch-hitter, to enhance their lineup.
Player Profiles
- Isaac Collins: In the previous season, Collins became a key contributor to Milwaukee’s offense. He played 130 games and finished with a wRC+ of 122. The 28-year-old was also recognized for his performance, finishing fourth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.
- Nick Mears: Mears joined the Brewers from Colorado in July 2024. He faced challenges in his first season but settled into a middle relief role, despite some struggles towards the end of the season.
- Angel Zerpa: The 26-year-old lefty has been a consistent performer for the Royals, logging 60 appearances over the last two seasons with a 4.18 ERA. Zerpa has shown a high ground ball rate, ranking in the 99th percentile in 2025.
Team Dynamics
With this trade, the Brewers aim to reduce their outfield surplus, as they have several capable outfielders, including Jackson Chourio and Sal Frelick. Collins joins a competitive batters’ lineup but likely needs to improve against left-handed pitchers.
The Royals, meanwhile, continue to bolster their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season. They have explored numerous trade possibilities for outfielders, further solidifying their intentions to enhance their lineup.
Upcoming Prospects
This move indicates a clear plan for both teams to strengthen their areas of need. The Brewers are enhancing their bullpen with Zerpa, while Kansas City focuses on improvative offensive opportunities with Collins. Additionally, with Mears now in Kansas City, both teams are positioning themselves for future success.
| Player | Position | New Team | Previous Season Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isaac Collins | Outfielder | Kansas City Royals | .280 AVG, 122 wRC+ |
| Nick Mears | Right-Handed Pitcher | Kansas City Royals | 4.50 ERA, Middle Relief |
| Angel Zerpa | Left-Handed Pitcher | Milwaukee Brewers | 4.18 ERA, 63.7% Ground Ball Rate |
The trade between the Brewers and the Royals reflects strategic moves from both parties, hinting at their preparations for the coming baseball season.