Fermin’s 2024 campaign showcased his adaptability at the plate: he hit .294 against left-handed pitching and .261 versus righties. He also strung together a five-game multi-hit streak in May, the longest for a Royal since 2021, and enjoyed a 10-game hitting streak in July and August during which he batted an impressive .410. However, his form dipped late in the season, hitting just .154 over the final month. Despite this, he remained a valuable asset, with the Royals posting a 40-32 record in his 72 starts behind the plate, a testament to his defensive presence and game management.
Notably, Fermin’s career trajectory took a significant turn at the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline when the San Diego Padres acquired him in a three-player deal, sending right-handers Stephen Kolek and Ryan Bergert to Kansas City. The Padres, who had struggled offensively at the catcher position, viewed Fermin as a clear upgrade. He brought a .255/.309/.339 slash line for the season, solid framing skills, and a strong arm to San Diego, and remains under team control through 2029. The acquisition addressed a key weakness for the Padres, whose catching tandem of Elias Díaz and Martín Maldonado had combined for just a 71 wRC+—27th in the majors at the time. Fermin is expected to compete for the starting role, providing the Padres with improved offensive output and defensive reliability behind the plate. For more details on the trade and San Diego’s roster moves, check Padres add catcher Fermin from Royals.
Fermin’s journey to the majors was marked by steady progression through the minor leagues and international play. He earned MVP honors in the 2022-23 Venezuelan Winter League, leading the league with a .404 average and also being named Rookie of the Year. His minor league stints included standout performances with Triple-A Omaha and Double-A Northwest Arkansas, where he consistently ranked among team and league leaders in offensive categories. Notably, he became the fourth catcher in Royals history to hit a triple and a home run in a single game, and joined Frank White as the only Royals with a walk-off RBI bunt single. His defensive prowess was evident early on, as he threw out 47.3% of would-be base stealers in the South Atlantic League.
With his combination of contact hitting, situational awareness, and defensive skill, Fermin provides the Padres with a much-needed upgrade behind the plate as they push for postseason contention. His adaptability and recent performance trends suggest he could play a pivotal role in San Diego’s playoff ambitions over the coming years. For more on Fermin’s career statistics and in-depth splits, visit his Freddy Fermin Stats page.