The team on Thursday acquired Freddy Fermin from the Royals in exchange for starting pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek. Fermin is batting .255 with a .645 OPS in 208 plate appearances. It is not known what that means for Elias Díaz or Martín Maldonado, who have split the catching duties this season.

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.

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.