Freddy Fermin records first multi-home run game. Why Royals catcher continues to shine
Freddy Fermin has come a long way since signing with the Kansas City Royals as an international free agent in 2015.
Fermin, 28, is the ultimate feel-good baseball story. He worked his way through the Royals’ minor-league system from the early beginnings of rookie ball to the doorstep of Major League Baseball.
Fermin put in the required work at each stop. He developed a tight bond with several teammates and sought advice from mentor and Royals captain Salvador Perez.
On Saturday, Fermin reaped the fruits of his labor. He recorded his first multi-home run game in the Royals 9-6 loss against the Philadelphia Phillies — one that involved somewhat of a controversial finish.
Fermin blasted solo home runs in the second and fourth innings against Phillies starter Cristopher Sanchez. His first home run traveled 386 feet and 103.4 mph exit velocity.
“Thank God for today,” Fermin said. “I’m very happy for that and just keep going and working hard.”
Fermin is hitting .308 with 44 hits, eight home runs and 26 RBIs this season. Entering the day, he owned an .844 OPS (on-base plus slugging) while registering a 43.5% hard-hit percentage and 13 barrels, per Fangraphs.
Those numbers increased on Saturday night. Fermin has hit seven of his eight home runs as solo shots.
“(I’m) learning every day and creating a good plan when (it’s) time to hit,” Fermin said.
Perez has long noticed Fermin’s growth at the plate. Fermin was named the MVP of the Venezuelan Winter League this offseason.
“It’s good for him,” Perez said. “He is working hard every day. … (I tell him) prepare yourself every day because you never know when you are going to play the game. Be ready every time and just wait for your opportunity and try to do the best you can do.”
The Royals have played both Fermin and Perez simultaneously this season. Perez is still the primary catcher, but has shifted to first base in recent games. The Royals are still without first basemen Nick Pratto and Vinnie Pasquantino, who are both on the injured list.
Fermin has benefited with more time behind the plate. Royals outfielder Dairon Blanco said Fermin’s confidence is growing with each game.
“We have known each other for a long time playing in the minor leagues,” Blanco said through a translator. “We work together and have good chemistry. We are in the weight room and the cages together. When things go right, we just look at how much time we spent together. It’s a joy.”
The Royals will look for a series victory against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday afternoon. Royals manager Matt Quatraro said the team will continue to find ways to get Fermin in more games moving forward.
“Freddy has done a tremendous job both offensively and defensively,” Quatraro said. “We are going to find ways to get him in there.”
