Hunter Drew Strickland is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals, New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, and Cincinnati Reds. Born on September 24, 1988, in Thomaston, Georgia, Strickland was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 18th round of the 2007 MLB draft. He is known for his contributions to the teams he has played for, including notable performances in the postseason and two World Series championships.
Hunter Strickland Bio
Hunter Drew Strickland is a veteran right-handed pitcher who has established himself as a reliable bullpen arm across multiple Major League Baseball franchises. Standing as a proven late-inning specialist, Strickland has compiled a career record of 26 wins and 25 losses with a 3.39 earned run average and 30 career saves. His resilience through injuries, including Tommy John surgery and rotator cuff procedures, has defined his journey to becoming a durable reliever at the sport’s highest level.
Early Life and Background
Strickland was born on September 24, 1988, in Thomaston, Georgia. He attended Pike County High School in Zebulon, Georgia, where he developed his skills as a baseball pitcher. His upbringing in Georgia provided the foundation for his pursuit of a professional baseball career. Strickland’s dedication to the sport was evident from his high school years, setting the stage for his eventual selection in the MLB draft.
Path to Major League Baseball
Strickland was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 18th round, 564th overall pick, of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft. He made his professional debut with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Red Sox, logging a 6.04 ERA and 22 strikeouts in nine appearances. The next year, Strickland played for the Low-A Lowell Spinners and pitched to a 5-3 record and 3.18 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 15 games. He was assigned to the Single-A Greenville Drive to begin the 2009 season and posted a 5-4 record and 3.35 ERA with 51 strikeouts across 83 and one-third innings of work.
Hunter Strickland Career
Minor Leagues and Early Career (2007–2013)
On July 22, 2009, Strickland was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates along with Argenis Diaz in exchange for Adam LaRoche. He finished the year with the Single-A West Virginia Power, registering a 4-2 record and 3.77 ERA with 23 strikeouts in eight games. Strickland split the 2010 season between West Virginia and the High-A Bradenton Marauders, accumulating a 2-5 record and 5.53 ERA with 25 strikeouts. His season was cut short due to a right elbow strain, and he missed the entire 2011 season with a rotator cuff injury that required surgery. In 2012, Strickland split the year between the Double-A Altoona Curve and Bradenton, logging a 4-4 record and 3.70 ERA with 58 strikeouts in 33 appearances.
San Francisco Giants Breakthrough (2014–2018)
After recording a 2.02 ERA in 38 appearances for the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels, Strickland was called up to the majors for the first time on September 1, 2014. He pitched one scoreless inning of relief against the Colorado Rockies later that day. In nine appearances during his rookie campaign, Strickland allowed five hits and no runs in seven innings pitched. In Game 1 of the 2014 National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals, Strickland entered the game with the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth inning and struck out Ian Desmond to preserve the Giants’ lead. In Game 2, Strickland recorded the save in the longest playoff game in major league history by time, as the Giants defeated the Nationals 2-1 in 18 innings. The Giants went on to defeat the Kansas City Royals in the World Series, giving Strickland his first championship. In 2015, Strickland started the season with Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, posting a 1.66 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 21 and two-thirds innings before being called up on May 24. He appeared in 55 games, recording a 2.45 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 51 and one-third innings pitched. In 2016, Strickland was named to the Opening Day roster for the first time in his career and remained in the Giants bullpen throughout the season with a 3.10 ERA.
Notable Incidents and Career Developments
In a May 29, 2017, game against the Washington Nationals, Strickland hit Bryce Harper’s right hip with a 98-mph fastball, resulting in a benches-clearing brawl. Strickland received widespread criticism for his role in starting the brawl, as analysts suggested the intentional hit-by-pitch was the result of a grudge from two home runs Harper hit against him in the 2014 NLDS. He received a six-game suspension for his actions. With Mark Melancon heading to the disabled list at the beginning of the 2018 season, Strickland was named the Giants closer and earned his first save in a 1-0 victory on Opening Day against the Los Angeles Dodgers. While playing against the Miami Marlins on June 18, Strickland allowed three runs, blowing a save, and the Giants lost 5-4. After the pitching change, Strickland punched a door out of frustration, fracturing his right hand. He underwent surgery the next day and was ruled out for six to eight weeks.
Seattle Mariners and Washington Nationals (2019)
On January 24, 2019, Strickland signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Mariners. On March 30, he suffered a Grade 2 right lat strain, which put him out for a couple of months. On July 31, 2019, the Mariners traded Strickland and Roenis Elias to the Washington Nationals in exchange for Aaron Fletcher, Taylor Guilbeau, and Elvis Alvarado. In 24 games with the Nationals, Strickland went 2-0 with a 5.14 ERA. The Nationals finished the 2019 year with a 93-69 record, clinching a wild card spot and eventually winning the World Series over the Houston Astros, their first championship in franchise history. It was also the second time Strickland won a World Series in his career.
Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, and Milwaukee Brewers (2021)
On February 2, 2021, Strickland signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays organization. On April 9, the Rays selected Strickland’s contract, adding him to their active roster. In 13 appearances for Tampa Bay, Strickland recorded a 1.69 ERA with 16 strikeouts over 16 innings of work. On May 15, 2021, Strickland was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for cash considerations. In nine appearances for the Angels, Strickland struggled to a 9.95 ERA before being designated for assignment on June 7. On June 12, 2021, Strickland was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for cash considerations. In 35 appearances for Milwaukee, Strickland compiled a 3-2 record and 1.73 ERA with 38 strikeouts across 36 and one-third innings pitched.
Cincinnati Reds (2022)
On March 23, 2022, Strickland signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds. He made 66 appearances for Cincinnati in 2022, pitching to a 3-3 record and 4.91 ERA with 60 strikeouts and 7 saves in 62 and one-third innings of work. On February 18, 2023, Strickland re-signed with the Reds on a minor league contract but was released by the organization on March 25. He re-signed with the Reds two days later on a new minor league contract. In 12 appearances for the Triple-A Louisville Bats, Strickland struggled with an 11.45 ERA with 8 strikeouts in 11 innings pitched. He was released by the Reds organization on May 9.
Los Angeles Angels Return (2024–2025)
On February 16, 2024, Strickland signed a minor league contract with the Angels. On April 8, after two games for the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, his contract was selected to the major league roster. In 72 appearances for the Angels, Strickland had a 3-2 record and 3.31 ERA with 57 strikeouts across 73 and one-third innings pitched. On May 6, 2025, Strickland signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers that included an invitation to spring training. He was released by the Rangers prior to the start of the season on March 21 but re-signed with the organization on a new minor league contract the following day. In 12 appearances for the Triple-A Round Rock Express, Strickland struggled to a 1-2 record and 8.22 ERA with 15 strikeouts across 15 and one-third innings pitched. He was released by the Rangers organization on May 6. Later that same day, Strickland signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels. After three appearances for the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, the Angels added Strickland to their active roster on May 18. In 19 appearances for Los Angeles, he posted a 1-2 record and 3.27 ERA with 14 strikeouts and one save over 22 innings of work.
Hunter Strickland Career Statistics
Throughout his Major League Baseball career, Strickland has established himself as a versatile reliever capable of serving in various bullpen roles, including as a closer. His career statistics reflect his durability and effectiveness at the sport’s highest level across multiple franchises and roles.
Major League Baseball Highlights
Strickland has compiled a career win-loss record of 26-25 with a 3.39 earned run average and 422 strikeouts across his MLB tenure. He has recorded 30 career saves, demonstrating his ability to handle high-pressure situations in the ninth inning. His career includes two World Series championships, one with the San Francisco Giants in 2014 and another with the Washington Nationals in 2019, making him one of the few relievers to win championships with two different franchises. Strickland’s ability to pitch effectively in the postseason has been a hallmark of his career, with notable performances in multiple Division Series and Championship Series matchups.
| Statistic | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Win-Loss Record | 26-25 |
| Earned Run Average | 3.39 |
| Strikeouts | 422 |
| Saves | 30 |
Hunter Strickland Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Strickland was born and raised in Thomaston, Georgia, where he attended Pike County High School. His family background and early life in Georgia played a significant role in shaping his path to professional baseball. There is no publicly available information indicating any professional baseball lineage in his family, making his journey to MLB a testament to his individual dedication and talent.
Personal Life
Strickland married his wife in November 2011. The couple had their first child, a daughter, in April 2017. Strickland has maintained a relatively private personal life away from the baseball field, focusing on his family and career throughout his time in professional baseball.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a journeyman year for Strickland, who has navigated between multiple organizations while working to secure a permanent spot on a Major League roster. After beginning the season with the Texas Rangers organization on a minor league contract, Strickland was released twice by the Rangers before finding his way back to the Los Angeles Angels, where he had spent part of the 2024 season. His performance with the Angels in 2025 showed flashes of his past effectiveness, as he posted a 3.27 ERA in 19 appearances with one save across 22 innings pitched. Strickland was placed on the 15-day injured list on July 8 due to right shoulder inflammation, which temporarily halted his momentum. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list the following day, raising questions about his availability for the remainder of the season. Despite the injury setback, Strickland has demonstrated throughout his career an ability to recover from physical challenges and return to contribute at the Major League level. His journey through multiple organizations in 2025 underscores his determination to continue his professional baseball career while adapting to different clubhouse environments and pitching staffs.