Full Breakdown
Brewers Trade Collins and Mears to Royals for Zerpa
12/14/2025, 9:51:47 PM
Trade Overview and Player Profiles
On December 14, 2025, the Milwaukee Brewers traded outfielder Isaac Collins and right-handed reliever Nick Mears to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for left-handed pitcher Angel Zerpa. This trade comes as both teams seek to address their roster needs ahead of the upcoming season.
Isaac Collins, 28, had a notable season with the Brewers, finishing fourth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. He played 130 games, posting a .263 batting average, nine home runs, and a .779 OPS. Despite his strong performance during the regular season, Collins struggled in the postseason, going hitless in nine at-bats. Nick Mears, 29, contributed to the Brewers' bullpen with a 3.49 ERA over 63 appearances, but faced challenges with home runs and was out of options for the upcoming season.
In return, the Brewers acquired Angel Zerpa, a 26-year-old lefty who has spent his entire five-year MLB career with the Royals. Zerpa recorded a 4.18 ERA in 69 appearances last season, showcasing a high ground ball rate of 63.7%, which ranks him in the 99th percentile among MLB pitchers. His ability to induce ground balls is expected to complement the Brewers' strong infield defense.
Strategic Implications for Both Teams
The trade reflects the Brewers' strategy to consolidate their roster, particularly in the outfield, where they had an abundance of players. With the recent signing of outfielder Akil Baddoo, the Brewers had nine outfielders on their 40-man roster, prompting the need to make a move. By trading Collins and Mears, the Brewers not only save approximately $1 million but also gain a left-handed reliever with three years of team control.
For the Royals, acquiring Collins and Mears addresses their need for outfield depth and bullpen support. Collins is expected to enhance the Royals' lineup, which struggled offensively last season, finishing near the bottom in several categories. Mears will likely assume a middle-relief role, providing experience alongside All-Star closer Carlos Estévez.
Criticism and Future Considerations
While the trade appears beneficial for both teams, it has drawn some scrutiny. Critics argue that the Brewers may have given up too much in Collins, who showed promise as a young player. The move raises questions about the Brewers' confidence in their outfield options and whether they plan to pursue additional trades or free-agent signings to further bolster their roster.
Looking ahead, the Brewers may still explore trades involving other players, such as Freddy Peralta, to enhance their outfield options. The effectiveness of this trade will ultimately depend on how both teams utilize their new acquisitions in the upcoming season.
Verbatim Quotes
“Zerpa, 26, offers the chance to turn two players who were redundant on Milwaukee's loaded roster into one who can be more of a standout.” — Brewers Analyst
“Collins will look to solidify the outfield unit.” — Sports Reporter
