Freddy Fermin came to the San Diego Padres from the Kansas City Royals at the trade deadline last season. He was the backup to Salvador Perez in Kansas City but immediately took over and upgraded the catching position in San Diego. The Padres gave the Royals starting pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek, which was a significant price to pay, especially considering their greatest need this offseason is starting pitching. Fermin solidifies a catching position that has been in flux in recent years with Luis Campusano failing to meet the expectations of the organization.
The next catcher in the pipeline for San Diego is the uber talented Ethan Salas who has struggled with health and offensive consistency during his time in the Padres’ organization. It should be noted that Salas is only 19 years old and with Fermin under control for the foreseeable future the young up-and-coming catcher should have time to develop rather than being rushed through the minors and into the major league lineup. For now, Fermin holds the position, and the Friar Faithful will get to see what he can do with a full season behind the plate in San Diego. Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune looks at Fermin in his latest installment of the Padres roster review.