As trade discussions heat up, the Milwaukee Brewers are fielding interest in their right-handed reliever Nick Mears. Teams across the league are on the lookout for under-the-radar bullpen assistance, prompting speculation about Mears’ availability. Alongside him, the Brewers have also received inquiries regarding closer Trevor Megill and ace Freddy Peralta. However, indications suggest that Milwaukee is not particularly eager to part ways with any of these pitchers.
Mears, 29, joined the Brewers from the Colorado Rockies in a deal that saw pitchers Bradley Blalock and Yujanyer Herrera heading back to Denver. The journey to Milwaukee was a tumultuous one for Mears, who initially went undrafted in 2018 and found himself with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was later traded to the Rockies for Connor Joe, claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers, and eventually returned to Colorado, where he carved out a significant role in their bullpen during the 2024 season.
At the time of his trade to Milwaukee, Mears was struggling with an ERA in the mid-5.00s, despite showcasing effective swing-and-miss capabilities. His tenure with the Brewers began poorly as he posted a 7.30 ERA, yet the team opted to retain him for the 2025 season, a decision that paid off. Mears evolved into a reliable setup man, finishing the year with a 3.49 ERA across 56 2/3 innings, earning 16 holds and securing a save. By adjusting his pitching approach—reducing his fastball usage while increasing his slider frequency—Mears managed to maintain impressive swinging-strike and chase rates, even with a slight dip in strikeouts from the previous year. His command also significantly improved; after walking over 12% of hitters during his early career with the Rockies, he limited free passes to just 5.8% while with the Brewers.
Contractual details are also a factor in Mears’ potential trade value. He remains under club control through the 2027 season, with an expected salary of around $1.6 million for 2026. This modest financial outlook reduces the likelihood of the Brewers being motivated to move him. Nevertheless, the organization is known for considering trades, especially as players approach free agency. While Mears could emerge as a key component in manager Pat Murphy’s late-game relief strategy, he might also attract a decent prospect should the Brewers decide to capitalize on their bullpen depth.
Alongside Mears, several other pitchers have showcased talent for the Brewers. Megill, Abner Uribe, Grant Anderson, Jared Koenig, and Aaron Ashby all recorded earned run averages of 3.23 or better in 2025, accompanied by above-average strikeout rates. Notably, none of these players walked more than 9.7% of batters, indicating good command across the board. Additionally, lefties Rob Zastryzny and DL Hall posted solid ERA figures, albeit with less impressive strikeout and walk statistics.
The Brewers also boast 26-year-old Craig Yoho, who had standout numbers in the upper minors, as well as a wealth of young starters who could transition to relief roles given the system’s depth. Importantly, Mears stands out as one of only two out-of-options relievers within the Brewers’ roster, alongside Zastryzny. This distinction may make Mears more appealing to potential trade partners compared to his optionable counterparts, who offer added flexibility for a team adept at adjusting its pitching roster.
As the offseason unfolds, baseball fans, especially those following budget-conscious teams looking for bullpen help, should keep an eye on Mears and the Brewers’ evolving roster dynamics. The team’s depth in this area could influence whether they choose to retain him or explore the trade market further.
