The San Diego Padres are turning heads with Garrett Hawkins in their spring camp, and it's easy to see why. This young pitcher is making waves, and the Padres are taking notice.
Now, some critics might say the Padres' farm system isn’t what it used to be. Sure, it might not be as stacked as in previous years, but in classic A.J. Preller style, the team is still unearthing gems like Garrett Hawkins.
Hailing from Canada, Hawkins is a right-handed pitcher who’s been flying under the radar. Drafted in the 9th round back in 2021 from the University of British Columbia, Hawkins had a rocky start with injuries, including Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. But when he returned in 2025, the Padres shifted him to the bullpen, and that's where he found his groove.
Hawkins put together an impressive scoreless streak in 2025, the longest in the minors in a decade. Over 29 appearances and spanning four months, he allowed just 19 baserunners and struck out 51.
His dominance was undeniable. Hawkins himself admitted there were days he didn’t feel his best, yet somehow, he managed to keep runs off the board.
It’s a testament to his resilience and adaptability.
The Padres' bullpen is currently packed with seasoned arms, and while Hawkins is on the 40-man roster, they might opt to give him more time in the minors. His fastball is something special, averaging 94-97 mph with an impressive perceived rise that makes it a nightmare for hitters. His changeup, clocking in at 85-88 mph, adds another layer of deception, thrown from the same arm angle as his fastball.
In 2025, Hawkins was a force over 45 appearances, boasting a 1.50 ERA in 60 innings, with 80 strikeouts against 23 walks, and holding hitters to a .138 average. From May to July, he didn’t give up an earned run in 25 games.
The Padres are wisely cautious, but Hawkins looks every bit the high-leverage reliever. If he stays healthy, he could become a mainstay in San Diego’s bullpen for years to come. His fastball is already drawing comparisons to some of the best in the league, and his changeup is equally devastating.
The Padres have the luxury of depth in their bullpen, so they can afford to be patient with Hawkins. But when he gets his shot in the majors, expect him to bring that same rhythm and effectiveness against top-tier competition.
The future is bright for Garrett Hawkins, and the Padres might just have found another bullpen star.