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.
Padres News:
- The Padres announced the opening of Diamond Room, which is described by Pam Kragen of the San Diego Union-Tribune as an upscale cocktail lounge. The 50-seat venue near Gallagher Square is set to open Friday.
Baseball News:
- With free agent third baseman Alex Bregman reportedly agreeing to a five-year contract with the Chicago Cubs, the top hitter remaining on the market is Kyle Tucker. It was reported Monday the outfielder has met with the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets.
- The New York Yankees have yet to reach an agreement with free agent Cody Bellinger and it was believed the two sides had reached an impasse. However, that may have been before New York made it known that it was willing to include opt-outs in the contract. If news of an impasse is true, the Yankees may have to find a replacement for Bellinger on the trade market if they do not have any interest in pursuing the afore mentioned Tucker.
- Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and Red Sox ownership have been under intense scrutiny since the Bregman to Cubs news broke. The Red Sox traded away their former face of the franchise Rafael Devers and Bregman was thought to be the next face of the franchise. However, after a single season in Boston, Bregman and the Red Sox could not reach an agreement to keep him in Beantown. Breslow acknowledged the team is disappointed, but he is focused on their next plan. Could that be free agent infielder Bo Bichette?
- The Tampa Bay Rays and the Atlanta Braves agreed to a trade that sent Brett Wisely and Ken Waldichuk to Tampa Bay in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
