In a decision that’s catching attention across the league, the Kansas City Royals have officially moved on from catcher Freddy Fermin, parting ways with the 29-year-old Venezuelan backstop earlier this week. The move comes as a shock to many, given Fermin’s contributions both at the plate and behind it.
Fermin emerged as a key player in 2023, batting .281 with nine home runs and 26 RBIs. Defensively, he shined with 16 Defensive Runs Saved, ranking among the best catchers in the league, and posted a .461 slugging percentage. While his offensive numbers dipped slightly in 2024, his reliability behind the plate remained valuable—especially in managing the workload of veteran Salvador Perez. By late August, Fermin had caught over 530 innings, a testament to his importance in the Royals’ catching rotation.
Given the Royals’ ongoing rebuild, the decision to part ways with a steady, versatile catcher has sparked questions about the team’s direction. Fermin brought experience and defensive strength—two things that are hard to replace on a developing roster.
With his departure, the Royals now face the challenge of filling a key spot in their lineup and clubhouse. The move may be part of a longer-term strategy, but it certainly brings an end to what many viewed as a promising tenure for Fermin in Kansas City.
As Fermin becomes a free agent, other teams will likely take interest in a player with proven defensive skills and steady offensive upside. Meanwhile, the Royals will be watched closely for how they handle the void left behind.
