In the world of baseball, making it to the majors isn't about participation trophies-it's about forcing the issue. Garrett Hawkins, a name that’s been buzzing around the San Diego Padres' camp, is doing just that.
Hawkins, a Padres prospect, turned heads last year with a jaw-dropping performance in the Minors. After a rocky start, he transformed his game, delivering a 38-inning scoreless streak over 29 appearances.
This wasn’t just any streak; it was the longest in the Minors in a decade, featuring only 19 baserunners and 51 strikeouts. Talk about making an impression.
Now, Hawkins has his sights set on the Padres’ bullpen for Opening Day. His fastball, clocking in at 95-96 mph, is his secret weapon, especially in shorter stints where he can really let it fly. Being on the 40-man roster is no small feat, and it signals that the Padres see him as a near-term asset.
His accolades are hard to ignore. Named the Padres’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Hawkins posted a 9-1 record with a 1.45 ERA over 60 innings, striking out 80 while walking just 23. It’s the kind of performance that makes you sit up and take notice, reminiscent of Blake Snell’s record-setting run back in 2015.
So, how does Hawkins make the jump to the big leagues? It’s not about edging out a lesser player; it’s about making himself indispensable.
In his second Cactus League outing, Hawkins closed out a save alongside seasoned MLB pitchers. His fastball command and composure are under the microscope now, as the Padres evaluate if he can handle the pressure when it counts.
The Padres are faced with a classic dilemma: stick with the reliable choice or take a chance on a reliever who could potentially dominate over a full season. Hawkins has already proven he can be a silent force; now, he just needs to make some noise when it matters most.