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2026 Fantasy Baseball Player Profile

Freddy Fermin’s 2025 season was defined by a major change of scenery and a subsequent offensive regression. After establishing himself as one of the best backup catchers in the league with the Royals, Fermin was traded to the San Diego Padres in late July in exchange for pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek. While the move provided him with more consistent playing time, his bat cooled off significantly; he finished the year with a .251/.297/.339 slash line, contributing just 5 home runs and 26 RBI across 109 combined games. His power notably evaporated in the second half, as he posted just a .617 OPS in 42 games with San Diego, though he remained a defensive favorite for the Padres' pitching staff.

Entering 2026, the 30-year-old has officially transitioned from a "luxury backup" to a primary starter. In January, Fermin avoided arbitration by signing a one-year, $2.1 million contract with the Padres. He arrived at spring training in Peoria as the projected No. 1 catcher, beating out Luis Campusano for the lead role on the depth chart. Manager Craig Stammen has praised Fermin’s game-calling and "veteran poise," noting that his ability to handle a high-ego rotation is his greatest asset.

For fantasy managers, Fermin is a low-ceiling C2 option with an ADP around 370.