The Milwaukee Brewers kicked off their offseason with a move that’s already stirring debate - and maybe saving them a little cash in the process. Over the weekend, Milwaukee sent Isaac Collins and Nick Mears to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for left-hander Ángel Zerpa, a pitcher the Brewers have reportedly had their eye on for quite some time.
At first glance, this trade raised eyebrows across the baseball world. Some analysts were quick to question Milwaukee’s side of the deal, especially considering that Collins and Mears were both productive in stretches during the 2025 season. But for those looking beyond the box scores, there’s a different story brewing - one that hinges on projection, potential, and a bit of financial finesse.
Let’s start with the player coming to Milwaukee. Zerpa is a 24-year-old lefty with a high ceiling.
While his big-league numbers haven’t fully caught up to his underlying metrics, the Brewers seem to believe the best is yet to come. That’s a bet on development - not uncommon for a team like Milwaukee that thrives on maximizing talent through coaching and analytics.
For a front office known for identifying undervalued arms, this could be another savvy addition.
On the flip side, Collins and Mears had their moments in 2025. Mears, in particular, showed flashes of being a reliable bullpen piece. But both players also outperformed some of their advanced metrics, raising the question of whether their 2025 production is sustainable or more of a hot streak than a long-term trend.
Now, let’s talk money - because while this deal wasn’t driven by payroll concerns, it does come with a financial ripple effect. All three players involved are still under team control and projected to earn under $2 million in 2026, so this isn’t a cost-cutting move in the traditional sense. But in a small-market operation like Milwaukee, even modest savings can matter.
Here’s where it gets interesting: According to arbitration projections from MLB Trade Rumors, Zerpa is expected to earn around $1.2 million in 2026. Mears, who’s further along in the arbitration process, is projected at $1.6 million. That’s a $400,000 difference - not earth-shattering, but not nothing either, especially for a team that once went to arbitration with Corbin Burnes over a $740,000 gap.
As for Isaac Collins, he’s not yet arbitration-eligible and was set to make the league minimum in 2026 - estimated at $820,000. But his departure opens up a spot on the 40-man roster, likely to be filled by a depth piece or a third catcher, someone who won’t cost much more than the minimum themselves. So in terms of payroll, Collins’ exit probably ends up being a wash.
Add it all up, and Milwaukee ends up trimming a bit off their 2026 payroll. It’s not a blockbuster savings, but it’s a subtle benefit that could give the Brewers a little more wiggle room as they navigate the rest of the offseason. Whether that money goes toward another bullpen arm, a bench bat, or simply provides flexibility down the line, it’s another layer to a trade that’s about more than just the names on the transaction wire.
Ultimately, the verdict on this deal won’t come for a while. All three players involved still have multiple years of team control, and their true value will play out over time. But for now, Milwaukee adds a promising lefty to its pitching mix, shaves a few dollars off the books, and stays true to the kind of forward-thinking roster construction that’s kept them competitive in a tough NL Central.
It’s not flashy. But it might just be smart.