Royals Trade Fermin, Acquire Two Padres Pitchers

The Kansas City Royals traded backup catcher Freddy Fermin to the San Diego Padres just hours before the MLB trade deadline, acquiring right-handed pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek in exchange. Fermin, who served as a key backup to Salvador Perez, produced a .255 batting average with three home runs and 12 RBIs this season, and is valued for his defensive abilities and cost control through 2029. The Padres view Fermin as a major upgrade for their struggling catching group. For Kansas City, Bergert (2.78 ERA as a rookie) and Kolek (4.18 ERA in 14 starts) aim to reinforce a pitching staff impacted by injuries. The Royals now have a vacancy at catcher and are expected to pursue additional moves before the deadline. The trade is regarded as mutually beneficial and may lead to further changes, particularly for the Padres' catching situation.