Padres Sign Lefty Pitcher Hart to One-Year Deal

San Diego, CA — The San Diego Padres announced on Thursday that they have signed left-handed pitcher Hart to a one-year contract, which includes a club option for the 2026 season. The deal guarantees Hart $1.5 million, comprising a $1 million salary and a $500,000 buyout for the $5 million option.

The option can increase to $7.5 million based on escalators linked to the number of games Hart starts. He is the second starting pitcher added by the Padres in a span of just two days, following another signing on Wednesday night.

Hart, who turned 32 last November, has painted a mixed picture in his professional career. In 2020, during his brief stint with the Boston Red Sox, he struggled significantly, allowing 19 runs in just 11 innings, marking his only Major League experience thus far. Additionally, he carries a 4.36 ERA over 334 2/3 innings pitched in Triple-A.

However, Hart’s trajectory changed dramatically after playing in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) in 2024. He thrived while with the NC Dinos, posting a remarkable 2.69 ERA over the course of 26 starts. Hart threw a total of 157 innings, recorded a 28.8% strikeout rate, and maintained a walk rate of just 6%.

His success in the KBO has caught the attention of Major League teams, prompting interest throughout the winter offseason. Hart attributes his improvement to changes in his pitching approach, including the introduction of a new sweeper and an increased reliance on his changeup. He has also utilized his four-seamer more effectively at the top of the strike zone.

As the Padres continue to bolster their pitching staff, Hart’s performance in South Korea has instilled optimism about his potential return to Major League Baseball. With the team’s need for additional left-handed options, Hart’s signing is part of a broader strategy to enhance their rotation and prepare for the upcoming season.