How have ex-Brewers Isaac Collins, Nick Mears done with Royals?

Story by

JR Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Fri, Apr 3, 2026 ·

2 min read

The Milwaukee Brewers head to Kansas City on Friday, April 3 for the start of a three-game series, and they'll immediately reconnect with two key contributors to the 2025 Brewers division champion and National League Championship Series qualifier.

Isaac Collins and Nick Mears , two players dealt from the Brewers in an offseason trade for relief pitcher Ángel Zerpa , have both seen the field for Kansas City this season.

How have they fared, albeit in a tiny early season sample? A quick look:

Nick Mears has two new pitches and a decent start

Mears worked with the Royals in the offseason to develop a two-seam fastball and a changeup to pair with his three-pitch arsenal that he was using in Milwaukee.

He's allowed just one hit in two innings with three strikeouts for the Royals (3-3).

Last year, Mears had a 3.49 ERA in Milwaukee with 46 strikeouts in 57 innings. The Brewers acquired Mears during the 2024 season from the Colorado Rockies .

Isaac Collins getting on base early for Kansas City

Left fielder Isaac Collins of the Kansas City Royals makes a catch during the fourth inning of the game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on April 02, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Collins, who took fourth in the National League Rookie of the Year vote after a breakthrough season with the Brewers, has started the year 3-for-15, with a double and homer. He's also walked three times and was hit by a pitch once, so he's getting on base at a .368 clip. The starting left fielder has been caught stealing in his only attempt.

Collins had a .779 OPS last year with 16 stolen bases, emerging as Milwaukee's regular left fielder.

Zerpa has looked great in three early games for the Brewers, allowing two hits and a walk with two strikeouts and no runs in three innings. He also played a key role in the bullpen for Team Venezuela during the World Baseball Classic.

The 26-year-old lefty had a 4.18 ERA in 65 innings with the Royals last year.

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Isaac Collins was Milwaukee Brewers' unsung hero, 2025 NL rookie of year candidate

Isaac Collins has been one of the Milwaukee Brewers' breakout performers of the 2025 season.

Collins might have been an unheralded addition to the Brewers' opening day roster but the rookie has stepped up by having as consistent of a season as any Brewer.

The 28-year-old leftfielder, who joined the Brewers organization in 2023, was rewarded for his play by being named the National League Rookie of the Month in July.

He's now one of the top contenders for the overall award in 2025. Scroll through this gallery to see his top moments this season.