As July 31 approached, MLB teams were scrambling to make last-minute trades to indicate the direction of their teams for the remainder of the 2025 season. Some teams are selling off players to initiate the rebuilding process for the next season or to generate funds for the upcoming free agency period, while other teams are attempting to execute trades to improve their chances of making the MLB Playoffs and advancing to the World Series in October.
Many MLB organization prospects were caught in part of trade packages to acquire major league talent on Thursday. That includes two former WVU pitchers who are pitching in the minor leagues. Ryan Bergert was included in the package that sent former Royals catcher Freddie Fermin to the Padres, and David Hagaman was a part of the deal that sent Merril Kelly to the Rangers.
Welcome to the Royals, Ryan and Stephen! https://t.co/wL71yAIGaj pic.twitter.com/yZhlqsRRyw
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) July 31, 2025
We have made the following trade: pic.twitter.com/tKh58UVAfy
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 31, 2025
Bergert pitched a very solid game for the Padres a little over two weeks ago. In his next-to-last game pitching for the major league club, the right-handed starter went 4.2 innings pitched while striking out seven Phillies hitters. Bergert also had a decent outing on Tuesday before being traded on Thursday, going 4.0 innings pitched with four strikeouts and only allowing one earned run. Hagaman has yet to make his MLB Debut after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
MLB trade deadline offers new opportunities for former Mountaineer pitchers
Bergert will be on the move to the Kansas City Royals. The Royals are a hopeful playoff team with an ability to find and develop pitching talent. The former WVU pitcher will now have the chance to be developed by the Royals. Bergert is currently serving as the Royals' fifth starter, with pitchers Cole Ragans, Kris Bubic, and Michael Lorenzen on the shelf being listed on the IL.
As for Hagaman, he is currently with the High-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Hillsboro Hops. The right-hander has not yet pitched for the Hops.
For both Bergert and Hagaman, their new teams give them a chance to take advantage of new scenery. And who knows, maybe a change of scenery will help Hagaman move up the ranks of the minor league and will help Bergert become more of a staple in the starting rotation for a major league team. Hopefully, Bergert and Hagaman will use this opportunity to further enhance their professional careers.