Garrett Hawkins is on the cusp of making it to the big leagues. The pitcher from Biggar, Sask., was 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, Arizona.
“It’s definitely something that everyone is working on, and just know that you’re one step closer to it,” the lanky, 6-foot-5 right-hander said.
Hawkins' journey to the big leagues has been a challenge.
Growing up in Biggar, Hawkins played on local teams in his youth before moving to Saskatoon when he was about 14 years old.
“My first opportunity to coach him was in 2014,” said Jordan Dreger, owner and head coach of Going Yard Baseball Academy in Saskatoon.
“He was part of a really special group of pitchers that we formed at the same age he was,” Dreger recalled. “Also there was Logan Hoffman and Connor Sparks, and they won the national title at the Canada Cup Baseball in Saskatchewan.”
In addition to his impressive physique, Dreger says Hawkins' attention to detail sets him apart.
“He’s very focused on his craft,” Dreger said. “He completely understands every aspect of his serve and his ability to hone in on small details and make minor changes that don't affect the rest of his serve and his rhythm.”
Hawkins attended the University of British Columbia on a scholarship, but the pandemic derailed the last couple of years.
Instead, he was able to play in the MLB Draft summer league in New Jersey.
The Padres took notice and selected Hawkins in the ninth round of the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft..
After spending time in A ball, Hawkins suffered a setback when he felt pain 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 are recovering from injuries.
“The group of guys there was really good,” he said. “Everybody's here for the same goal… just trying to get better. But it's still hard… you're not playing, and that's kind of what you're here for.”
(Chance Lagaden/CBC)
Hawkins was selected as the starting pitcher, but when he returned to the mound last season, the Padres moved him to the bullpen.
“It was a cold day,” Hawkins said of his first return after a year of rehab.
“I think I threw the fifth and sixth inning. It was my first time in the bullpen, so I was probably more focused on how I was going to prepare for the game because once you start, you have a lot more time.
“I think I struck out four, no runs, so yeah, it went pretty well.”
The transition from being a starter to a pitcher was a great move for Hawkins.
He pitched 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 Mission, where he posted a 1.69 earned run average.
For his efforts, the Padres named Hawkins minor league pitcher of the year and later added him to their 40-man major league roster.
He says moving to the bullpen taught him not to think too much before entering a game.
“I think that even starting [pitching]“I would get so worked up that, I don’t know, I would get nervous, too worried,” he said. “I definitely learned this year to just not think and just trust myself.”
Hawkins trains in Saskatoon over the winter to be ready for the Padres' training camp opener in February.
Hawkins threw four times a week, but not from the mound, and also helped out in 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.
There are a number of benefits to being part of a 40-man major league roster.
“Out of 40 guys, you get an invite to major league spring training, so you get a chance to get a major league team out of camp, which is probably the biggest difference,” Hawkins said.
It is also easier for minors to be drafted into the army.
“Obviously you have to perform, but every minor league player has to be on the 40-man roster to get called up to the big leagues, whereas if you're already there, you don't have to take that extra step.”
Now he's preparing to take things to the next level in spring training camp in Arizona, where he'll face major league hitters.
It's a huge step, but Hawkins keeps reminding himself that 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, just be as ready as I am whenever they need me.”
