Royals Acquire Collins and Mears in Trade with Brewers

KANSAS CITY — Continuing thier flurry of activity following the Winter Meetings, the Royals swung a trade Saturday night. They acquired outfielder Isaac collins and right-handed reliever Nick Mears from the Brewers and sent lefty reliever Angel Zerpa to Milwaukee, sources told MLB.com.

The trade has not been confirmed by the clubs.

TRADE DETAILS
Royals get: OF Isaac Collins, RHP Nick Mears
brewers get: LHP Angel zerpa

Perhaps utility player is a better label for Collins, who logged a majority of his games for the brewers last year in left field but also saw time at third base and second base. That versatility was appealing for Kansas City, even though the club acquired him to play left field in 2026 as the roster stands now.

Collins’ defensive metrics are solid. He led the Majors with 6 outs above average in left field last season, and he has some speed. But the Royals acquired the switch-hitting Collins mainly for his bat as they continue to look for outfielders who can help elevate their offense next season.

The 28-year-old finished fourth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting last season after posting a slash line of .263/.368/.411 with a 118 OPS+, nine home runs and 54 RBIs. His profile is one that fits the Royals — lots of contact, not a lot of chase. Evaluators add that he brings consistent and gritty at-bats that make pitchers work.