Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with hybrid optimization strategies in automatic SQL tuning are described. One example method includes receiving a first (e.g., cost-based) execution plan for a user structured query language statement (User SQL) from a first (e.g., cost-based) optimizer. The example method may also include receiving a second (e.g., rules-based) execution plan for the User SQL from a second, different (e.g., rules-based) query optimizer. The method may include identifying a preferred execution plan based on data produced by test executing the execution plans in a reproduced execution environment that reproduces at least a portion of an execution environment in which the user SQL runs. The method may also include controlling a database to execute the User SQL using the preferred execution plan.