Brewers Acquire Zerpa for Collins, Mears in Trade

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired left-handed reliever Angel Zerpa from the Kansas City Royals in a trade completed last weekend, sending outfielder Isaac Collins and right-hander Nick Mears to Kansas City in return. The deal, reported during the ongoing MLB offseason, bolsters Milwaukee's bullpen while addressing the Royals' need for outfield depth.

Zerpa, a 26-year-old Venezuelan pitcher signed by the Royals as an international free agent in 2016, appeared in a career-high 69 games last season with a 4.18 ERA over 53 innings. He has established himself as a reliable middle-innings option, striking out 58 batters while walking 24. For the Brewers, who reached the National League Championship Series in 2025, Zerpa adds left-handed versatility to a relief corps that includes key contributors like Trevor Megill and Devin Williams.

In exchange, the Royals received Collins, a 28-year-old switch-hitter who enjoyed a breakout rookie season in 2025, slashing .263/.368/.411 with nine home runs, 54 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases across 130 games. Collins finished fourth in National League Rookie of the Year voting and excelled defensively, leading Major League Baseball with six outs above...