Royals Pitcher Angel Zerpa Reflects on Trade to Brewers

Zerpa discusses his time with the Royals after being dealt to Milwaukee in the offseason.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:27pm

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Pitcher Angel Zerpa, who spent the first four seasons of his MLB career with the Kansas City Royals, is reflecting on his time with the team after being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in the offseason. The Royals acquired prospects Isaac Collins and Nick Mears in the deal.

Why it matters

Zerpa was a key part of the Royals' pitching rotation in recent years, so his departure marks a shift for the team as they look to rebuild through trades and player development. The trade also provides an opportunity for the Brewers to add a talented young arm to their roster as they aim to contend in the NL Central.

The details

The Royals traded the 26-year-old Zerpa to the Brewers in exchange for minor league prospects Isaac Collins and Nick Mears. Zerpa had spent his entire professional career with the Royals organization after being signed as an international free agent in 2017.

  • Zerpa was traded to the Brewers in the 2026 offseason.

The players

Angel Zerpa

A 26-year-old pitcher who spent the first four seasons of his MLB career with the Kansas City Royals before being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2026 offseason.

Isaac Collins

A minor league prospect acquired by the Royals in the trade with the Brewers.

Nick Mears

A minor league prospect acquired by the Royals in the trade with the Brewers.

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What they’re saying

“It's bittersweet to leave the only organization I've known, but I'm excited for the opportunity to join the Brewers and help them win.”

— Angel Zerpa

What’s next

The Royals will look to integrate Collins and Mears into their minor league system as they continue their rebuild, while Zerpa will join the Brewers' pitching staff as they aim to make a playoff push.

The takeaway

Trades are a natural part of the business of baseball, and Zerpa's move from the Royals to the Brewers is an example of how teams must constantly evaluate their rosters and make difficult decisions to position themselves for future success.