The San Diego Padres have a potential hidden gem in Bryan Hoeing. On July 30, 2024, they acquired him and Tanner Scott from the Miami Marlins as part of a trade deadline deal to bolster their postseason push. Hoeing, a right-handed pitcher, made his MLB debut in 2022, showcasing his versatility as a swing man for the Marlins in 2023. With a 2.70 ERA at the time of the trade, he was a valuable asset for the Padres' playoff stretch run.
Hoeing's strengths lie in his command and a 93 mph sinker, which he throws almost half the time. He also employs an 86 mph splitter and a slider, all designed to induce ground balls and quick outs. This makes him a valuable long reliever in a bullpen, especially with young or innings-limited starters in the rotation.
However, the 2025 season was a setback for Hoeing due to a shoulder injury before Spring Training. He struggled in Triple-A El Paso, where the environment didn't favor his movement-based pitching. Despite this, he showed promise with the Padres, posting a 3.38 ERA in seven games and eight innings pitched with five strikeouts and three walks.
Looking ahead, with a full offseason and normal spring buildup, the Padres organization and fans should see the pitcher they traded for in 2024. Hoeing's control and command, coupled with his 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame, make him a potential back-of-the-rotation spot starter or a swing man/long reliever. This role suits him well, as he has experience in it and can be a valuable asset for a team aiming to save wear and tear on their starting rotation or limit innings in the bullpen.
Hoeing's versatility and health are key factors in extending the effectiveness of the Padres' pitching staff. His ability to adapt to starting or relieving roles, as he expressed in an interview, makes him a 'Swiss army knife' on the pitching staff. With the right support and a healthy approach, Hoeing could be a pivotal player for the Padres in the upcoming seasons.
