Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek Joining Royals
Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek from the San Diego Padres for catcher Freddy Fermin, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. In Bergert and Kolek, the Royals are getting a couple of hurlers who have looked like decent back-end rotation options this season. Bergert, a 25-year-old rookie, has made 11 appearances (seven starts) and posted a 2.78 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings. There may be negative regression coming for Bergert, who has a high walk rate (4.54 per nine) with a 4.44 xERA/4.24 FIP/4.75 xFIP. Kolek, 28, debuted last year and made 14 starts for the Padres this season before the trade. He has recorded a 4.18 ERA with 56 strikeouts and 26 walks over 79 2/3 frames in 2025. Both Bergert and Kolek should plug into a Kansas City rotation that just lost No. 1 starter Kris Bubic (shoulder) to a season-ending rotator cuff injury. Cole Ragans (shoulder), Michael Lorenzen (oblique), and Alec Marsh (shoulder) are also on the injured list.
Source: Jeff Passan
The Kansas City Royals are acquiring right-handers Source: Jeff Passan

Read More News