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 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.

The Padres filled their need for a catcher roughly three hours before the trade deadline on Thursday, acquiring Freddy Fermin from the Royals