The San Diego Padres have acquired catcher Freddy Fermin from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for right-handed pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek.
The move addresses a significant area of need for San Diego, as the team has received minimal offensive production from its catchers this season. Elias Diaz has posted a 67 wRC+, while Martin Maldonado has managed just a 62 wRC+. Furthermore, Maldonado, despite his reputation as a premier game-caller, has graded as one of the league’s worst defensive catchers this year.
Fermin, 30, represents a potential upgrade for the Padres, even as he navigates a down year at the plate with a .255/.309/.339 slash line (78 wRC+). His defensive metrics have also taken a step back this season.
However, this performance follows two strong seasons in Kansas City. Fermin enjoyed a breakout rookie campaign in 2023, hitting .281/.321/.461 with a 108 wRC+ and excellent defense over 70 games. His performance earned him an expanded role, and he appeared in 111 games last season, remaining a solid contributor with strong blocking and a reliable throwing arm as Salvador Perez transitioned to more time at first base and designated hitter.
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