The Kansas City Royals began their search for an impact bat earlier this offseason. After conversations with multiple teams at the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida, the Royals have found their guy.
On Saturday, the Royals reportedly acquired outfielder Isaac Collins and reliever Nick Mears from the Milwaukee Brewers. KC sent left-hand reliever Angel Zerpa to the Brewers, per MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand.
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MLB insider Robert Murray first reported the news.
Collins recorded a .263 batting average with nine home runs and 54 RBIs in 130 games. He logged a .779 OPS (on-base plus slugging) in his first full MLB season.
The Royals needed to add a versatile outfielder. Last season, the Royals’ outfield was in the bottom-half of multiple offensive categories. KC outfielders finished 27th in batting average and 28th in slugging percentage.
Collins will look to solidify the outfield unit. He is a switch hitter who is entering his prime with high upside. Additionally, Collins has familiarity with Royals hitting coach Connor Dawson, as both were with the Brewers in 2025.
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Mears brings experience to the bullpen. He spent the last two seasons with the Brewers after stops with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies.
In 2025, Mears posted a 3.49 ERA in 63 appearances. He recorded 46 strikeouts in 56 â…” innings while limiting opponents to a .213 batting average.
The Royals will pair Mears alongside All-Star closer Carlos Estévez and Lucas Erceg in the bullpen. He is likely to assume Zerpa’s role as a middle-inning reliever with solid splits against both righties and lefties.
Nick Mears #25 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning in game three of the National League Division Series at Wrigley Field on October 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
It’s still possible the Royals will look for a left-handed relief specialist. For now, Mears joins Alex Lange as the latest additions to the bullpen this offseason.
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Zerpa will depart after five seasons with the Royals. He began his career as a starter but settled into a key role in the bullpen.
Angel Zerpa #61 of the Kansas City Royals pitches against the Athletics during the bottom of the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park on September 27, 2025 in Sacramento, California.
Last year, Zerpa posted a 4.18 ERA in 64 â…” innings. He was regarded as a high-leverage reliever due to his ability to command the strike zone. The Royals often utilized Zerpa as a bridge reliever following the starter.
The Royals have now crossed off multiple items this offseason. They reportedly added outfielder Lane Thomas in free agency and extended third baseman Maikel Garcia.
Both Collins and Mears will fit with the Royals’ young core. How the club pieces together the remainder of the roster will be something to monitor moving forward.