Joey Hamilton was a highly sought-after commodity in the 1991 Amateur Draft, and he was taken eighth in the draft by San Diego, a minor surprise as, according to Hamilton, they never showed any interest.

Hamilton first made the Padres in 1994, winning nine Games with a 2.98 ERA and finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting.  Notably, he was seventh in bWAR for Pitchers and again in 1995, despite his losing record (6-9).  Hamilton received a lot more run support and won 40 Games over the next three years, even though his ERA was now over four, and his WHIP inflated to over 1.300.  He was still a decent starter, and he aided them in winning the National League Pennant in 1998, though San Diego was dismantled by the Yankees.  

Hamilton was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays following the World Series, ending his Padres career.  He would have a 55-44 Record with a 3.83 ERA and 639 Strikeouts.