Brewers acquire left-handed pitcher Angel Zerpa in trade to enhance bullpen depth and explore starting potential

Following their record-setting regular season, the Milwaukee Brewers have a well-rounded roster, enabling precise additions. The team officially announced acquiring left-handed reliever Angel Zerpa from the Kansas City Royals, sending reliever Nick Mears and utility player Isaac Collins in return.

Trade details

· Royals receive: outfielder Isaac Collins, right-handed pitcher Nick Mears

· Brewers receive: left-handed pitcher Angel Zerpa

Versatile switch-hitter Collins finished fourth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, while Mears has pitched in key situations when healthy over the past year and a half. By acquiring 26-year-old Zerpa, the Brewers gain a durable lefty who has appeared in 129 games over the last two seasons, showing promising stamina. He has limited left-handed hitters to a .624 OPS in his career and may be evaluated for a starting role.

“A power-armed pitcher,” said Brewers President of Baseball Operations Matt Arnold on Sunday. Both teams managed to find Zerpa on his remote farm in Venezuela, leading to the deal announcement. “He features an excellent combination of a strong two-seam sinker and slider. We think putting him in front of our defense will be very exciting. This guy can generate elite groundball rates.”

“He is a player we have long sought after.”

The Brewers finalized the trade after the 2025 season. This year, Zerpa appeared in a career-high 69 games (including two starts) with a 4.18 ERA. He pitched a personal best 64.2 innings, struck out 58 batters, and recorded 14 holds. His heavy fastball ranks in the top 1% for groundball rate and top 16% for velocity according to Statcast. His primary fastball—a two-seam sinker—averaged 96.6 mph last season.

Besides strengthening the Brewers' frequently used bullpen, a key factor is that Zerpa is now arbitration-eligible for the first time and unsigned for 2026. The team maintains control through 2028 with an additional minor league option available.

Arnold and his coaching staff will have further discussions with Zerpa before deciding his ultimate role, but the door to a starting position is slightly open.

“Some scouts believe he can handle starting,” Arnold said. “He has previous starting experience and postseason exposure, which we highly value. Having a versatile player with big-game experience is very beneficial for us.”

By trading 28-year-old Collins, the Brewers part ways with a homegrown success story. Originally acquired from the Colorado Rockies in the 2022 Rule 5 minor league draft, he primarily played infield before transitioning to left field in 2025. With injuries limiting other outfield options, Collins filled in left field, posting a .263 batting average with 9 home runs, 54 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases.

“Given our current needs, we believe this trade is very favorable for us,” said Royals GM J.J. Picollo. “We needed on-base ability and outfield depth. Adding a switch-hitter with Collins’ defensive versatility and remaining control years is very appealing.”

“We know outfield is his primary position now, but having a player who has excelled at multiple spots is never a downside. We see significant upside and some safety in this deal. It helps you better manage your roster.”

For the Brewers, with all outfielders now healthy, the position has become a strength. During the winter meetings, they received inquiries on Collins as well as centerfielders Garrett Mitchell and Blake Perkins. They also made their first offseason free-agent signing by adding outfielder Akil Baddoo, valued for his athleticism.