The Brewers and Zerpa avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.095 million contract Thursday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Zerpa was acquired via trade from the Royals earlier in the offseason and had been eligible for arbitration for the first time. The lefty held a 4.18 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 64.2 innings in 2025 and could be stretched out as a starting pitcher in his first spring training with the Brewers.

Brewers GM Matt Arnold said Sunday that the organization is open to utilizing Zerpa as a starting pitcher, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The left-hander was acquired from the Royals in exchange for Isaac Collins and Nick Mears, and the Brewers apparently view Zerpa as more than a relief option. The 26-year-old came up through the minors as a starter but operated as a reliever the past two years for the Royals, making all but two of his 129 regular-season appearances out of the bullpen. Even if he sticks as a starter and is fully stretched out to begin the season, Zerpa could have a short leash given his limited workload the last few years.

The Royals traded Zerpa to the Brewers on Saturday in exchange for Isaac Collins and Nick Mears, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Zerpa finished the 2025 season with a 4.18 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 64.2 innings while also recording 14 holds. The Brewers aren't hurting for high-leverage arms with Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe and Jared Koenig already making up the back end of their bullpen, so Zerpa will likely be limited to middle-relief duty with his new club.

Zerpa (5-1) earned the win in Thursday's 6-4 victory over the Rangers. He allowed no hits or walks while striking out one over 1.2 perfect innings.

EDGE Analysis

The left-hander entered in relief of Michael Lorenzen with the bases loaded and one out in a tie game in the fifth inning Thursday, inducing Cody Freeman to roll into an inning-ending double play before tossing a perfect sixth frame to secure the win. Zerpa has been on a roll, stringing together seven straight scoreless outings and posting a 2.43 ERA over 29.2 innings across his past 30 appearances.

Zerpa will open Wednesday's game against Atlanta, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Zerpa owns a 3.77 ERA and 1.30 WHIP through 43 innings and has pitched primarily in middle relief this year, but the Royals will send him to the mound for the first inning of Wednesday's series finale. The 25-year-old southpaw likely won't last more than an inning or two during his second start of the season before handing the game over to Kansas City's bullpen.

Zerpa will start Saturday's game against the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Zerpa will take the mound in the first inning on short notice, as original starter Michael Lorenzen was scratched due to an illness. Zerpa owns a 3.89 ERA and 1.32 WHIP through 39.1 innings this season, though he likely won't remain in the game for more than an inning or two before turning the game over to Kansas City's bullpen.

Zerpa threw 1.2 scoreless innings in Sunday's 1-0 loss against the Tigers. He lowered his ERA to 5.01

EDGE Analysis

Zerpa has improved after a few rough outings in March and early May, as he has a 1.08 ERA and 0.60 WHIP since May 16. However, he's seen a significant drop in his strikeout rate to 13.6 percent from 20.5 percent in 2024. He still has plus velocity with an average 96.0 mph fastball, so there's hope for a turnaround. He has just two holds as his slow start has limited his high-leverage usage, but he's still a key lefty in the setup corps.

Zerpa threw a scoreless inning in Friday's spring training win over the Angels. He's thrown four scoreless innings with five strikeouts and no walks this spring.

EDGE Analysis

Zerpa became a high-leverage weapon last season thanks to a sinker with high velocity (it reached 99 mph last year, according to MLB.com) that helped lead to a 58.4% ground-ball rate. He'll be a key lefty in the late innings in the bullpen and could be a good source of holds (12 last season).

Zerpa (2-0) earned the extra-inning win over the Nationals on Tuesday, pitching a perfect inning.

EDGE Analysis

Zerpa worked the ninth inning in a scoreless game, and he was able to keep it that way. He's allowed just one hit while striking out six over four innings across four appearances since he rejoined the major-league roster Sept. 14. The left-handed reliever is at a 4.06 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 47:18 K:BB with 10 holds and a blow save over 51 innings in the majors this season.

The Royals recalled Zerpa from Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

With Chris Stratton (forearm) headed for the injured list, the Royals will call upon Zerpa to help get their bullpen through the final couple weeks of the regular season. The 24-year-old southpaw owns a 4.40 ERA and 1.57 WHIP through 47 big-league innings on the year and will most likely serve in middle relief while with Kansas City.