KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals announced a significant offseason trade today, acquiring outfielder Isaac Collins and right-handed pitcher Nick Mears from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for left-handed pitcher Angel Zerpa.
The move bolsters the Royals’ roster with a promising young bat and an experienced reliever, bringing the team’s Major League Reserve List count to 39 players.
Royals Land Young Standout Outfielder
Isaac Collins, 28, is the centerpiece of the trade for Kansas City. In his first full season in the Majors in 2025, Collins established himself as a versatile and productive player for the Brewers.
- He posted a slash line of .263/.368/.411 with a .779 OPS across 130 games.
- Collins racked up 34 extra-base hits and successfully stole 16 bases.
- The switch-hitter finished 4th in the National League Rookie of the Year balloting.
- He led all NL rookies in walks (57) and ranked highly in runs, RBI, doubles, and hits.
- His hot performance in July earned him the National League Rookie of the Month award.
Collins also immediately upgrades the Royals’ defense, having recorded 6 Outs Above Average (OAA) in left field, which was the most in the Majors at that position. He is one of only five switch hitters in 2025 to record at least 30 extra-base hits and 15 stolen bases, joining elite company including José Ramírez and Francisco Lindor.
Mears Brings High-Strikeout Relief
The Royals also acquired veteran reliever Nick Mears, 29, who has pitched for three teams over six Major League seasons. Mears set several career benchmarks with the Brewers in 2025:
- He appeared in a career-high 63 games, recording 5 wins and 17 holds.
- He finished the season with a solid 3.49 ERA.
Zerpa Heads to Milwaukee
Heading to the Brewers is left-handed pitcher Angel Zerpa, 26. Zerpa recorded a career-best 69 appearances for the Royals in 2025. Zerpa was a long-time member of the Royals organization, originally signing as an international free agent in 2016.
