Royals Secure Outfielder Isaac Collins and Reliever Nick Mears from Brewers
The Kansas City Royals have made significant additions to their roster by securing outfielder Isaac Collins and right-handed reliever Nick Mears from the Milwaukee Brewers. This move reflects a strategic effort to enhance their team without parting ways with notable players like Cole Ragans, Noah Cameron, or Kris Bubic.
Profile of Isaac Collins
Isaac Collins is a 28-year-old switch-hitter who played primarily as a left fielder last season. He also had limited appearances in right field and infield positions. In his second year, Collins garnered attention by finishing fourth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.
His impressive batting statistics include a .263 batting average, .368 on-base percentage, and a .411 slugging percentage, totaling a .779 OPS. Additionally, he hit nine home runs and stole 16 bases, culminating in a 122 wRC+ and a 118 OPS+, which highlights his offensive capabilities.
- Age: 28
- 2025 Stats: .263/.368/.411, 9 HR, 16 SB
- wRC+: 122, OPS+: 118
- fWAR: 2.6, bWAR: 2.1
Collins has showcased decent defensive skills and strong baserunning, contributing to his overall value. While his exit velocity metrics are below average, his elite chase and walk rates suggest he possesses a keen eye at the plate. He performs better against right-handed pitchers but maintains above-average stats against lefties as well.
Nick Mears: A Closer Look
Nick Mears, entering his age-29 season, has experienced an unusual career trajectory as a right-handed reliever. His performance has fluctuated, with his 2024 season seeing strikeouts at 11.71 per nine innings, but he recorded a higher 5.93 ERA against a more favorable 3.19 SIERA. In contrast, his 2025 season featured a drop in strikeouts to 7.31 per nine innings, yet he maintained a better 3.49 ERA with a 3.89 SIERA.
Statistical Summary of Nick Mears
- 2024 Stats: 11.71 K/9, 5.93 ERA
- 2025 Stats: 7.31 K/9, 3.49 ERA
Mears primarily utilizes a fastball-slider combination and has the potential for improvement under the guidance of the Royals’ coaching staff. With team control extending into 2027, the Royals are optimistic about refining his skills for better performance in upcoming seasons.
Trade Context and Future Prospects
The Royals acquired Collins and Mears in exchange for Angel Zerpa, a reliever with command issues. Zerpa has displayed potential but struggled to consistently deliver results. This trade represents a testament to Kansas City’s strategy, balancing risk and opportunity in their acquisition.
Moving forward, the Royals are positioned to bolster their outfield depth significantly. With Collins and projected progression from players like Jac Caglianone and Lane Thomas, they aim to achieve an outfield situation that potentially exceeds replacement-level performance next season. This marks an improvement over previous years and comes at the cost of a single left-handed reliever.
Overall, this trade has the making of a successful offseason for the Royals, laying the groundwork for further roster enhancements in the future.
