The San Diego Padres have a potential dark horse in Bryan Hoeing, who was acquired in a trade with the Miami Marlins on July 30, 2024, as part of the trade deadline acquisitions to bolster their postseason push. Hoeing, 29, made his MLB debut in 2022, pitching 12.2 innings in eight games, allowing 19 hits and 17 earned runs. In 2023, he served as a swing man for the Marlins, pitching 70.2 innings across seven starts and 33 games, with an ERA of 5.48, 53 strikeouts, and 25 walks.
Hoeing started 2024 in a similar role, pitching 30 innings over two games and 16 games total, with a 2.70 ERA at the time of the trade. He joined the Padres to fulfill a similar role for the stretch run to the playoffs, pitching in 18 games as a long reliever over 23.2 innings with a 1.52 ERA, 18 strikeouts, and five walks. As a swing man/long reliever, Hoeing is a versatile pitcher, relying on his 93 mph sinker, 86 mph splitter, and slider to induce ground balls and quick outs.
However, the 2025 season was a challenge for Hoeing due to a shoulder injury before Spring Training. He returned to pitching in June and joined the Padres in late June but was not as effective. Optioned to Triple-A El Paso in late July, he pitched there while the Padres made their postseason push, with a 4.70 ERA in 14 games over 15.1 innings, 16 strikeouts, and six walks. Despite his struggles in El Paso, his numbers with the Padres were 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA in seven games and eight innings, with five strikeouts and three walks.
With a full offseason and normal spring buildup, the organization and fans should see the pitcher they traded for in 2024. Hoeing, who relies on control and command rather than velocity, could be a valuable back-of-the-rotation spot starter or swing man/long reliever, ideal for a team trying to save wear and tear on their starting rotation or limit innings on their bullpen. Hoeing expressed his versatility in an interview, stating he is open to starting or relieving, being the 'Swiss army knife' on the pitching staff.
The Padres' acquisition of Hoeing highlights the importance of versatile and healthy pitchers in extending the effectiveness of a pitching staff. With a strong bullpen and young or innings-limited starters, Hoeing's role as a swing man/spot starter/long reliever is highly valuable. As Spring Training begins, fans should closely watch Hoeing's performance to see how well he can bounce back and contribute to the team's success.
