Garrett Hawkins is on the cusp of making it to the big leagues. The pitcher from Biggar, Sask., has been added to the San Diego Padres 40-man roster.
Being on the roster gives Hawkins an automatic invite to the Padres spring training camp this February in Phoenix, Ariz.
“It’s definitely what everyone kind of works towards and just know you’re kind of one step closer to making it,” said the lanky, 6-foot-5-inch right-hander.
It’s been a roller-coaster ride for Hawkins on his way toward the big leagues.
Hawkins was named the Padres minor league pitcher of the year in 2025. (Chanss Lagaden/CBC)
Growing up in Biggar, Hawkins played on local teams as a youngster before coming into Saskatoon when he was about 14.
“The first opportunity I would have had to coach him was in 2014,” said Jordan Draeger, the owner operator and head coach at Going Yard Baseball Academy in Saskatoon.
“He was a part of a really special pitching group that we had coming up from the same age as him,” Draeger recalled. “There was Logan Hoffman and Connor Sparks as well, and they went on to win the national title at the Canada Cup for Baseball Saskatchewan.”
Besides his imposing physical features, Draeger says it’s Hawkins’ attention to detail that makes him stand out.
“He’s very focused on his craft,” Draeger said. “He fully understands every aspect of pitching and his ability to hone in on, like, small details and make minor changes that don’t affect the rest of his flow and his rhythm.”
Hawkins, left, works out with Jordan Draeger several times a week at the Gordie Howe Baseball Complex in Saskatoon. (Chanss Lagaden/CBC)
Hawkins attended the University of British Columbia on a scholarship, but the pandemic derailed the last couple of years there.
Instead, he was able to play in the MLB Draft summer league in New Jersey.
The Padres took notice and drafted Hawkins in the ninth round of the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft.
After spending time in A ball, Hawkins had a setback when he experienced soreness in his pitching elbow. That led to Tommy John surgery in 2023, and Hawkins spent the next year rehabbing at the Padres training facility in Arizona.
Hawkins said several other players were recovering from injuries.
“The group of guys there was really good,” he said. “Everyone’s there for the same purpose … just trying to get healthy. But it’s still tough … you’re not out playing, which is kind of what you’re there to do.”
Hawkins has thrown as high as 98 mph since coming back from surgery in 2024.
(Chanss Lagaden/CBC)
Hawkins had been drafted as a starting pitcher, but when he returned to the mound this past season the Padres had moved him to the bullpen.
“It was a cold day,” Hawkins said of his first time back after a year of rehabilitation.
“I think I threw the fifth and sixth inning. It was the first time in the bullpen so I was probably more focused on how I was going to get ready to go in the game because just starting you have so much more time.
“I think I struck out four, no runs, so yeah, it went pretty well.”
Switching from being a starter to a reliever turned out to be a great move for Hawkins.
He pitched in A ball for the Fort Wayne Tincups, where at one point he went 38 and two-thirds innings without allowing a run.
He was promoted to Double A with the San Antonio Missions where he had a sparkling 1.69 earned run average.
For his efforts the Padres named Hawkins its minor league pitcher of the year and, subsequently, added him to their40-man major league roster.
He says the move to the bullpen taught him not to overthink before entering a game.
“I think even starting [pitching], I would build myself up so much that I would, I don’t know, get antsy, feel too excited,” he said. “This year I’ve definitely learned, just don’t think and just trust yourself.”
The 6-foot-5-inch Hawkins throws a fastball, slider and is working on a splitter. (Chanss Lagaden/CBC)
Hawkins is working out in Saskatoon over the winter to be ready when the Padres training camp opens in February.
Hawkins has been throwing four times a week, though not off a mound, while also helping out at the academy with some of the younger players.
His pitches include a fastball (up to 98 mph), a slider and he’s working on a splitter.
Being on the 40-man major league roster has a number of advantages.
“The 40-man gets you an invite to big league spring training, so you get a chance to make the big league team out of camp, which is probably the biggest difference,” Hawkins said.
It’s also easier to get called up from the minors.
“You obviously have to perform, but every minor leaguer has to be put on the 40-man to get called up to the big leagues, whereas, if you’re on it already, you don’t have to take that extra step.”
Now he’s preparing to take it to the next level at spring training camp in Arizona where he’ll face big league hitters.
It is a huge step, but Hawkins keeps reminding himself it’s the same game and the same 60 feet six inches between home plate and the pitcher’s rubber.
“I don’t want to miss the opportunity when it comes, you know, kind of just be as ready as I am at all times whenever they need me.”