Angel Zerpa reflects on Royals’ tenure after offseason trade to Brewers
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals sent Angel Zerpa to Brewers; they acquired Isaac Collins (and Nick Mears).
- Zerpa posted a 3.97 ERA across 148 games and often pitched in high leverage.
- Zerpa returned to Kauffman Stadium and hasn’t allowed a run in three relief outings.
When the Kansas City Royals entered the 2026 offseason, the front office knew their outfield production — or lack thereof — had to be addressed.
A decision was made to acquire Isaac Collins from the Milwaukee Brewers. He finished fourth in National League Rookie of the Year voting after posting a .779 OPS (on-base plus slugging) across 130 games.
Collins is the everyday left fielder with the Royals. The club also received right-handed reliever Nick Mears in the deal.
However, the trade didn’t come without a hefty cost. The Royals sent left-hander Angel Zerpa to the Brewers as compensation.
This weekend, Zerpa returned to Kauffman Stadium. The Brewers arrived in town for a three-game series — his first appearance in Kansas City since the trade.
“I talked to a lot of people over there,” Zerpa said on Friday. “Maikel (Garcia), Salvy and others.”
Zerpa spent five seasons with the Royals. He posted a 3.97 ERA in 148 games and was often utilized in high leverage.
The Royals gave Zerpa his start. He appreciated his time in the organization and learned a lot from the coaching staff.
“I have a lot of fun memories,” Zerpa said. “They helped me a lot.”
Zerpa has done well in Milwaukee. He hasn’t allowed a run in three relief appearances so far this season.
“He pitches like he’s been doing it for 20 years,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “He’s got good rhythm to him, good pace to him. Attacks the zone. Seems like a great competitor, a fierce competitor. I love that about him.”
