Major League Baseball saw a surprising move as the Kansas City Royals shook things up! On December 14, 2025, the Royals made a trade that sent left-handed reliever Angel Zerpa to the Milwaukee Brewers. But what did they get in return? Let's dive in!
In exchange for Zerpa, the Royals acquired versatile outfielder Isaac Collins and right-handed pitcher Nick Mears. Collins, aged 28, is coming off a season where he hit .263, with 9 home runs and 54 RBIs in 130 games. His ability to play multiple positions, including left field, right field, second base, and designated hitter, adds significant value to the Royals. This trade is especially interesting because the Royals have been actively looking to bolster their outfield for the past two offseasons. This move comes just days after they secured a $5.25 million contract with veteran outfielder Lane Thomas.
Now, let's talk about the pitching side. The Royals also gained Nick Mears, a 29-year-old right-hander who posted a career-best 3.49 ERA last season with the Brewers. Mears has experience with other teams as well, having previously pitched for the Pirates and Rockies.
On the other side of the trade, Angel Zerpa, aged 26, had a career-high 69 appearances for the Royals last season, with an ERA of 4.18. Zerpa has been a reliable middle-innings reliever for Kansas City since they signed him as an international free agent in 2016.
But here's where it gets controversial... Did the Royals give up too much for Collins' versatility? Or did they make a smart move by adding a player with multiple positions and a veteran pitcher? What do you think of this trade? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
