The Royals promoted Fermin to the major leagues in 2022. He was entrenched as KC’s backup catcher for the last three seasons. Last season, he was a finalist for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award and has drawn praise as a top defensive catcher.

San Diego traded right-handed pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek to Kansas City in return for catcher Freddy Fermin, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported.

According to ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan, the Royals are sending catcher Freddy Fermin to the San Diego Padres in exchange for two right-handed starting pitchers: Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek.