The Journey of Gunnar Hoglund: From Tommy John Surgery to a Key Player for the Athletics

​For a pitcher selected 19th overall in the 2021 MLB Draft, Gunnar Hoglund's professional career has been anything but straightforward. Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays just two months after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Hoglund's promising junior season at Ole Miss was cut short, setting the stage for a challenging entry into Major League Baseball.

Before Hoglund could even showcase his talent, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics in March 2022 as the centerpiece in the Matt Chapman deal. Adjusting to a new organization while still recovering from surgery was no small feat, and his professional debut was further delayed. When he finally took the mound in July 2022, his return was brief – just three games and eight innings – before a biceps strain sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

In 2023, Hoglund's health improved, but his performance lagged, posting a 6.05 ERA in 61 innings. However, 2024 brought a breakthrough. Fully healthy and with a more substantial workload, Hoglund excelled, starting the year at Double-A Midland with a 2.84 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 97 strikeouts, and 27 walks in 104 2/3 innings. His impressive performance earned him a promotion to Triple-A Las Vegas for the final five starts of the season.

Hoglund's resurgence prompted the Athletics to secure his future by adding him to the 40-man roster, protecting him from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft on December 11. Joining him are outfielder Denzel Clarke and right-hander Ryan Cusick.

Despite not fully regaining his pre-surgery velocity – his fastball averaged around 92 mph in 2024, compared to 96-97 mph at Ole Miss – Hoglund's four-pitch mix and consistent strike-throwing vaulted him back up the A's Top 30 Prospects list, finishing the season at No. 12.

​Hoglund's journey is a testament to resilience and determination. From the setbacks of major surgery and injury to his climb back as a key prospect, his story is one of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of success in Major League Baseball. The Athletics and their fans look forward to his continued development and contributions in the seasons to come.