New Delhi, Aug. 1 -- The Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres executed a significant trade, with the Royals sending catcher Freddy Fermin to the Padres in exchange for pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek. This move reshapes both teams' rosters, addressing specific needs as the MLB trade deadline approaches.

The Kansas City Royals, reeling from injuries to key pitchers Kris Bubic, Cole Ragans, and Michael Lorenzen, needed to reinforce their pitching staff. Acquiring Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek will provide them with much-needed flexibility.

Ryan Bergert, ranked as the Padres' No. 7 prospect before the season, has shown promise in his rookie year. The 24-year-old right-hander, drafted in the sixth round in 2021 after undergoing ...