Kyle Patrick Hart Bio
Kyle Patrick Hart is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball. The left-handed thrower and batter stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds. Hart has previously appeared in MLB with the Boston Red Sox and spent the 2024 season pitching in the KBO League for the NC Dinos, where he won the prestigious Choi Dong-won Award.
Early Life and Background
Hart was born on November 23, 1992, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up in the Cincinnati area and attended Sycamore High School, where he developed his skills as a baseball player. His talent on the mound earned him recognition during his high school career, setting the foundation for his future in professional baseball.
After graduating from Sycamore High School, Hart continued his baseball career at the collegiate level. He enrolled at Indiana University, where he played for the Indiana Hoosiers baseball team for five seasons from 2012 through 2016. During his junior year at Indiana University, Hart underwent Tommy John surgery, a common elbow reconstruction procedure that many pitchers face. Despite this setback, he recovered and continued his development as a collegiate athlete.
Path to Professional Baseball
Hart’s professional journey began when the Boston Red Sox selected him in the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft. The Red Sox chose Hart in the 19th round with the 568th overall selection. This opportunity marked his entry into professional baseball and the beginning of his climb through the minor leagues toward the ultimate goal of reaching Major League Baseball.
Hart spent the next several years developing his craft in the Red Sox minor league system. He progressed through various levels, refining his pitching mechanics and building experience against increasingly competitive hitters. His performance in the minors demonstrated his potential as a future major league contributor, ultimately leading to his promotion to the majors in 2020.
Kyle Patrick Hart Career
Boston Red Sox Era (2020)
Hart made his Major League Baseball debut with the Boston Red Sox on August 13, 2020, against the Tampa Bay Rays. In that start, Hart struggled in his first major league appearance, allowing seven runs (five earned) on seven hits and three walks while recording only two outs. He took the loss in that game. The 2020 season was uniquely challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant games were played without fans in attendance. Hart later reflected on his debut, noting that the empty stadium atmosphere made the experience feel more like a scrimmage than a major league debut.
Hart was placed on the injured list on September 2, 2020, with a left hip impingement. He was subsequently moved to the 45-day injured list on September 15, which effectively ended his 2020 season. In four appearances (three starts) with the Red Sox, Hart posted an 0-1 record with a 15.55 earned run average. He recorded 13 strikeouts in 11 innings of work. Following the season, on November 20, 2020, Hart was outrighted off the 40-man roster and assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket.
Minor League Seasons (2021–2022)
Hart spent the 2021 season with the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox, the top affiliate of the Boston organization. In 23 games (20 starts), he compiled a 6-9 record with a 4.22 earned run average. He recorded 90 strikeouts in 106 and two-thirds innings pitched. The 2021 season provided Hart with valuable experience at the Triple-A level, though he did not receive another opportunity with the major league club.
In 2022, Hart began the season with Worcester before being assigned to Double-A Portland on May 16. He made a combined 24 appearances split between the two affiliates, accumulating a 7-3 record with a 5.25 earned run average. He recorded 74 strikeouts in 82 and one-third innings pitched. After the 2022 season, Hart elected free agency on November 10, ending his tenure with the Red Sox organization.
NC Dinos Breakthrough (2024)
On December 19, 2023, Hart signed a one-year contract worth $500,000 with the NC Dinos of the KBO League. The deal included a $200,000 signing bonus and potential additional earnings through incentives. This move represented Hart’s opportunity to revitalize his career abroad while showcasing his abilities in a competitive international league.
The 2024 season proved to be a breakthrough year for Hart. He made 26 starts for the NC Dinos and delivered an exceptional performance, posting a remarkable 13-3 record with a 2.69 earned run average. He recorded 182 strikeouts across his starts, demonstrating his dominance as a pitcher in the KBO. His outstanding season earned him the Choi Dong-won Award, which is the KBO’s equivalent of the Cy Young Award, recognizing the league’s most outstanding pitcher. Following the successful season, Hart became a free agent to pursue a return to Major League Baseball.
San Diego Padres Era (2025–Present)
On February 13, 2025, Hart signed a one-year major league contract with the San Diego Padres that included a club option for the 2026 season. This agreement marked his return to Major League Baseball following his successful stint in Korea. Hart joined the Padres’ roster and began preparing for the 2025 campaign with his new organization.
During the 2025 season, Hart made 20 appearances (six starts) for San Diego. He compiled a 3-3 record with a 5.86 earned run average, recording 37 strikeouts over 43 innings of work. The Padres declined Hart’s 2026 option on November 4, making him a free agent. However, the organization quickly moved to retain him, as Hart re-signed with the Padres on November 17, 2025, to a one-year contract worth $1 million, which included a club option for the 2027 season.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hart’s career highlights include winning the Choi Dong-won Award during his 2024 season with the NC Dinos, which stands as his most significant professional achievement to date. This recognition not only validated his successful transition to international baseball but also demonstrated his ability to perform as an elite pitcher against high-level competition. His journey from being a 19th-round draft pick to earning one of the KBO’s most prestigious awards illustrates his perseverance and development as a professional athlete.
Kyle Patrick Hart Career Wins
Throughout his professional career spanning multiple organizations and leagues, Hart has accumulated wins at various levels. His most productive season came in 2024 with the NC Dinos, where he posted a 13-3 record. In his brief MLB appearances with the Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres, he has combined for a 3-5 record.
Major League Baseball Highlights
At the MLB level, Hart has appeared in games with the Boston Red Sox (2020) and San Diego Padres (2025). Through June 21, 2026, his MLB career statistics show a 3-5 win-loss record with a 6.75 earned run average and 65 strikeouts across his appearances. While his MLB results have not matched his KBO success, his brief major league career demonstrates his ability to compete at the highest level of professional baseball.
KBO League Highlights
Hart’s 2024 season with the NC Dinos represents the peak of his professional career. His 13-3 record and 2.69 earned run average in 26 starts were instrumental in the team’s success. He recorded 182 strikeouts during that season, showcasing his ability to dominate opposing hitters. His performance was consistent and reliable, as evidenced by his impressive win total and low earned run average. The Choi Dong-won Award he earned that season remains the crowning achievement of his professional career.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to reaching MLB, Hart accumulated numerous wins throughout the Boston Red Sox minor league system. His most notable minor league season came in 2019 with the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox, where he posted a 12-13 record with a 3.52 earned run average in 27 games (71 starts). He recorded 140 strikeouts in 156 innings pitched that season. His combined minor league record across multiple seasons demonstrated his durability and consistency as a starting pitcher.
Kyle Patrick Hart Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Hart was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Beyond his baseball career, he has built a family life with his wife. His family background and upbringing in Ohio provided the foundation for his development as an athlete and eventual entry into professional baseball.
Personal Life
Hart married his wife, Haley Hart, in November 2022. The wedding ceremony took place in Granby, Colorado. Together, Kyle and Haley Hart have two dogs named David Bowie and Sadie Jane. Their family expanded with the birth of their daughter, Eden Hart, who was born on July 31, 2023. Hart balances his professional baseball career with his responsibilities as a husband and father, maintaining a stable family life alongside his athletic pursuits.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Kyle Hart’s return to Major League Baseball with the San Diego Padres following his standout 2024 campaign in the KBO League. Hart appeared in 20 games with six starts for San Diego, compiling a 3-3 record and a 5.86 earned run average. While his ERA was higher than his exceptional 2024 numbers, Hart provided valuable depth to the Padres’ pitching staff throughout the season. His ability to work both as a starter and reliever offered the team flexibility in managing their rotation and bullpen.
The Padres’ decision to re-sign Hart in November 2025 demonstrates the organization’s confidence in his abilities and value to the club. His one-year contract worth $1 million with a club option for 2027 reflects his status as a reliable professional pitcher who can contribute at the major league level. As Hart prepares for the 2026 season, he looks to build upon his experience with San Diego and establish himself as a consistent contributor for the Padres’ pitching staff.