Biggar native, and MLB prospect for the San Diego Padres Garrett Hawkins is making headlines as he navigates spring training with the big club.
Hawkins officially took the next step towards the majors with his addition to the Padres 40-man roster back in November. Now in two Cactus League appearances so far this spring, Hawkins has pitched an inning and two thirds, striking out three batters while allowing one hit and walking one.
Hawkins more than earned his look with the big-league club after being named the Padres pitcher of the year at the minor league level in 2025. Fresh off elbow surgery, Hawkins dominated going on an insane 34 consecutive inning scoreless streak with the Fort Wayne Tin Caps, to earn a call up to AA San Antonio where he finished the year strong for a total of 60 innings pitched across each level.
He took that momentum into offseason training, including time spent at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex in Saskatoon, doing what he can to get his repertoire ready for a look at the major league level.
Hawkins will get plenty of opportunities with the Padres only six games into their spring schedule, and early impressions are showing that even if the Canadian doesn’t crack the opening day roster, it will only be a matter of time before his blazing fastball is missing MLB bats.