Former Cubs Reliever Worth Tracking in FA

The Chicago Cubs non-tendered a pitcher that MLB Trade Rumors believes could capitalize on the open market this winter.

Brandon Hughes, a 28-year-old left-hander and a former 16th round pick by the Cubs in the 2017 draft, was left unprotected at the non-tender deadline and is a free agent.

It doesn’t preclude Chicago from re-signing him. But he also has a make-up that could interest other teams.

After toiling in the Cubs’ minor league system for nearly five years, Hughes finally got his call-up in 2022 and he provided consistent performances. He went 2-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 57 games. He saved eight games and threw 57 2/3 innings. Most notably, he struck out 68 hitters at a rate of 10.6 per nine innings.

In 2023, Hughes took a big step back. Before he missed the rest of the season with knee surgery, he went 0-3 with a 7.24 ERA in just 17 games. He threw just 13 2/3 innings and couldn’t find any sort of rhythm. The only thing that held consistent from 2022 to 2023 was his strikeout rate. In fact, it went up to 11.2 per nine innings, as he fanned 17 in the short time he was able to pitch.

Hughes has less than two years of service time, meaning he can be had for the league minimum, or even signed to a minor-league deal with a MLB Spring Training invite. He can’t hit arbitration until 2026 and can’t be a free agent until 2029.

Hughes would be cheap bullpen help for Chicago or any team that wants to sign him, and he would have significant upside if he’s able to reclaim his 2022 form.