Gunnar Hoglund is quickly becoming a name to watch among Oakland Athletics fans and baseball enthusiasts alike. As a top pitching prospect, Hoglund’s journey from collegiate stardom to making his Major League debut has captivated many followers of the game. This article takes a closer look at his development, recent achievements, and what his rise means for the Athletics.

Gunnar Hoglund’s Road to the MLB

Before donning an Athletics uniform, Gunnar Hoglund earned recognition as a first-round draft pick twice—first by the Pirates in 2018, and later by the Blue Jays in 2021. Choosing to play college baseball at Ole Miss allowed him to refine his skills and build a strong foundation. His promising start, however, was temporarily set back by Tommy John surgery during his junior season. Despite this hurdle, Hoglund persevered and continued to progress in the minors.

The Athletics acquired Hoglund in the 2022 trade that sent Matt Chapman to Toronto. As noted by MLB.com, "the Athletics plan to call up No. 14 prospect Gunnar Hoglund and start him Friday night in Miami, where he will make his Major League debut against the Marlins." This call-up underscores the club's confidence in his readiness to contribute at the highest level.

Minor League Success and Recent Improvements

Hoglund’s 2025 season with Triple-A Las Vegas has turned heads. He posted an impressive 2.43 ERA across six starts, accompanied by 30 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Hoglund’s repertoire has evolved, "adding a couple ticks to his fastball" and incorporating a sinker while showcasing improved command and pitch mixing.

His return to form post-surgery is significant. Scouts note that Hoglund’s fastball velocity, now averaging around 93.6 mph, is as strong as ever. This uptick in velocity, together with his refined curveball and changeup, gives the Athletics renewed optimism about his long-term potential. As The Athletic reports, "His fastball velocity ticked back to pre-injury form this year, sitting in the low 90s, and his Triple-A numbers reflected the jump."

A New Era for the Oakland Athletics

The excitement surrounding Gunnar Hoglund’s debut is more than just about stats. The Athletics have been searching for reliable arms to bolster their rotation, especially after the substantial roster shakeup in 2022. With recent injuries and underperformance among other pitchers, Hoglund’s arrival marks a crucial turning point for the organization.

He joins a rotation featuring the likes of Luis Severino, JP Sears, and Jeffrey Springs. With multiple sources like MLB.com and MLB Trade Rumors highlighting his blend of improved velocity and command, expectations are high that he can provide much-needed stability.

What’s Next for Gunnar Hoglund?

As Hoglund takes the mound for his debut, the Athletics and their fans will be watching closely. If he can translate his minor-league dominance to the major league level, Hoglund not only solidifies his own standing but also becomes a beacon for the success of the franchise’s latest rebuild. His journey exemplifies perseverance, skill development, and the strong impact of player trades on a club’s future.

For more on Gunnar Hoglund and his rise through the ranks, check out recent coverage from The Athletic and MLB.com.

While it’s early days for this promising right-hander, there is every reason to be optimistic about Gunnar Hoglund’s future in Oakland. Follow his journey as he looks to leave a lasting mark in Major League Baseball.