The Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres matched up for the first time since their major trade during the 2025 season.

The Royals traded Freddy Fermin to the Padres in exchange for Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek. It was a move that satisfied the Royals’ pitching needs and gave Fermin a chance to become an everyday catcher in the big leagues.

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On Saturday, Fermin was behind the plate against his former club. And Bergert was on the mound to start the game.

Cue the weird — and also fun — moments.

“Definitely a little weird walking out there and seeing them out there,” Bergert said with a smile. “Just different guys that I played with. So it was fun and it was cool. Something I’ll remember for sure.”

Bergert faced Fermin at the plate. He recorded a groundout to end his lone scoreless inning in his first spring start.

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Fermin got a chance to chat with his former Royals teammates. He spoke with Jonathan India, Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino in the first inning.

Then, he received a big hug from Royals star Salvador Perez. Perez and Fermin have a special relationship after years spent in the Royals organization.

“He made a great play on me, too,” Witt said of Fermin. “Any time that you look at him, you’re smiling. I saw him a little before the game. It’s fun to see him out there.”

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Fermin spent four seasons with the Royals. He climbed every minor-league rung to make it to the big leagues. His story became inspirational to Royals fans, and he earned lots of praise in Kansas City.

The Royals were Fermin’s first home. He will return to Kauffman Stadium from July 17-19 as the Padres are in town for a three-game series.

It’s possible the Royals could have Bergert or Kolek on the roster. They are battling for a roster spot on the pitching staff. Both performed well in 2025 and have experience pitching in high-level games.

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Bergert is ready for whatever role he is given. His goal is to provide consistency whenever he steps onto the mound.

Even if it’s against his former team.

“That’s the biggest part of being a starting pitcher,” Bergert said. “It’s having them be able to rely (on you) and they know what they are going to get every night or every five days that you go out there. That’s probably the main thing. Show up every day and be the same person.”