Finally, the Royals Start Making Moves!
The Royals signed a platoon bat, extended a key member of their core, and kickstarted their off-season in earnest!
I wrote this post Saturday morning. Originally, this opening section was about how I wanted the Royals to target a little-discussed outfielder for the Brewers in trade. His name? Isaac Collins.
About eight hours later, they made me a prophet and traded Angel Zerpa for Collins and reliever Nick Mears.
If you don’t know him, Collins is a 28-year-old outfielder for the Brewers. Last season—his rookie season—he put up a 122 wRC+ in 441 plate appearances with average defense in left field. He’s a switch hitter with a great approach at the plate (12.9% walk rate) and plenty of bat speed.
Collins was a little older than most rookies last season, and he may not have the ceiling some hitters do because of a relatively diminutive stature (he’s listed at 5’8”, 188 lbs). He has good bat speed, but struggles to square the ball up as much as he should. Ultimately, though, his excellent approach covers up what may be a slightly below average hit tool, and he understands what he needs to maximize his power output, as evidenced by his 20.4% air-pull rate.
Collins isn’t a superstar, but the Royals don’t need a super star. They’re looking for consistent, above-average production and years of control, which he has five of. Collins’ flaws made him a great match for the Royals who only had to give up Zerpa for him and Mears. Initially, I expected Kris Bubic would be the center piece of a deal for Collins.
Losing Zerpa matters, and I suspect Milwaukee has plans to turn him back into a starter. But the Royals can fairly easily replace a left handed reliever. Collins will likely play every day in left field for them and should slot very nicely into the six or seventh spot in the lineup.
This is a huge trade for Piccolo and the Royals. Grade? A+++++. (for more on this trade, check out our Monday episode).
