AL Central squad could be perfect trade partner for Brewers during 2025-26 offseason

Making a trade in Major League Baseball becomes much easier when you have a clear target, and for the Milwaukee Brewers, the Kansas City Royals could be a smart trade partner this offseason. The Royals have publicly acknowledged that they’re actively looking into the outfield market, seeking to add multiple bats this winter, and willing to give up some depth in their starting rotation in order to do so.

As currently constructed, the Brewers roster features a surplus of outfield options. This includes the injury‑prone Garrett Mitchell, 2025 rookie standout Isaac Collins, the defense‑first Blake Perkins, a favorite of Pat Murphy’s in Brandon Lockridge, and the speed‑oriented Steward Berroa. Because the Royals have shown little preference for right‑ or left‑handed hitters, any of those outfielders could realistically be included in a trade.

The Kansas City Royals, searching for several outfield additions, could be the perfect trade partner for Milwaukee Brewers during 2025-26 offseason

Among the Brewers’ outfielders listed above, Collins stands out as the one most likely to draw interest from Kansas City as he’s a switch‑hitter still in pre-arbitration with a strong defensive reputation. Collins’ breakout season, combined with his low salary and team control, could make him an attractive trade chip, despite him being much older than the average second-year player.

By contrast, Mitchell arguably offers the highest ceiling, but his long history of injuries and the uncertainty surrounding another shoulder surgery make him a much riskier bet for the Royals. Meanwhile, Lockridge also presents a solid case. He stepped in when Jackson Chourio was sidelined, filling in capably for over a month and even earning Pat Murphy's trust to garner a start in the postseason.

If the Brewers are looking to tap into the Royals’ pitching depth, Kris Bubic stands out as a prime trade target. After bouncing back from lost seasons in 2023 and 2024 due to undergoing and recovering from Tommy John surgery, Bubic delivered a strong 2025 season, posting a 2.55 ERA across 116.1 innings and earning an All-Star nod before a rotator‑cuff strain ended his year.  Milwaukee would have to be wary of the fact that he is projected to earn $6 million in 2026, but the reward of having him at his best certainly outweighs that price.

If both clubs play their cards right, a Brewers–Royals trade partnership this offseason could deliver a win‑win: Kansas City addressing a glaring offensive/outfield weakness, while Milwaukee leverages its surplus to improve elsewhere.