In the world of baseball, tough decisions are a given, and Kansas City Royals GM J.J. Picollo faced one head-on this offseason.
Parting ways with relief pitcher Angel Zerpa wasn't easy. Zerpa, a homegrown talent, had become a reliable bridge reliever for the Royals, thriving in high-pressure situations.
But the Royals needed to bolster their offense, leading Picollo to make a pivotal trade with the Milwaukee Brewers.
In exchange for Zerpa, the Royals landed several players, with outfielder Isaac Collins being the standout acquisition. Collins is poised to take over as the Royals’ starting left fielder this season. But another intriguing piece of the trade puzzle was Nick Mears.
"We were on the hunt for an outfield bat," Picollo explained. "As talks with Milwaukee progressed, Zerpa became the focal point.
We hesitated initially, wanting to maintain bullpen strength. But when Nick Mears entered the conversation, it became a deal worth pursuing."
Mears, who found his stride in 2025 with a 3.49 ERA over 56 2/3 innings, was a key player in Milwaukee’s bullpen. The Royals had been eyeing him for some time, impressed by his pitching arsenal and on-field confidence.
"He’s been putting in the work," said Royals bullpen coach Mitch Stetter. "He’s added a few pitches to his repertoire. We believe he’s going to be a significant contributor this year."
Mears is expected to be a versatile asset for the Royals, bringing veteran savvy to various bullpen roles. In Milwaukee, he excelled as a fireman reliever, stepping into high-leverage situations, a role he may continue with the Royals alongside John Schreiber, Daniel Lynch IV, and Alex Lange. The late innings will likely be managed by Lucas Erceg, Matt Strahm, and closer Carlos Estévez.
"You might see me in the fifth, eighth, or ninth inning," Mears said. "Whatever the team needs, I’m ready to attack hitters and get them out."
Mears' analytical numbers speak volumes. According to Statcast, he boasts a 33.5% chase rate, placing him in the 93rd percentile among major-league pitchers.
His command is sharp, with only 2.1 walks per nine innings. His fastball averages 95.4 mph, and his slider, with a 38.4% whiff rate, is his go-to pitch.
"My goal is to be another reliable guy in the bullpen," Mears shared. "Consistency and reliability are key when my name is called."
This spring, Mears has seen action in four games, allowing four earned runs with three strikeouts and two walks. The Royals are eager to see him in regular-season play, counting on his experience to aid their postseason ambitions.
"The more seasoned arms we have, the better our chances," Erceg noted.
Mears is ready to make an impact. "I’m excited," he said.
"We’ve got a great group here, both as players and people. With our athleticism and young talent, this season is going to be thrilling to watch unfold."