A recent uptick in production was not enough to keep the Padres from trying to upgrade at the catcher position. The team on Thursday acquired Freddy Fermin from the Royals in exchange for starting pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek.

The San Diego Padres, having already completed a deadline-day blockbuster with the Athletics on Thursday for closer Mason Miller, finalized a trade to acquire catcher Freddy Fermin from the Kansas City Royals. In exchange, the Padres are surrendering right-handers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek.

The San Diego Padres landed catcher Freddy Fermin from the Kansas City Royals on Thursday in exchange for right-handed pitchers Stephen Kolek and Ryan Bergert, ESPN reported. Fermin, 30, has spent his entire major league career with the Royals and broke into the major leagues in 2022.