*Photo from the Tampa Bay Times*
Hey, you can't say that the Atlanta Braves aren't trying to defend their world series title. The Braves and RHP Collin McHugh have agreed to a two year, $10 million deal, with a team option for 2024, according to an announcement by the Braves.
McHugh's team option has a $1 million buyout, but he is guaranteed two years with an already strong unit in Atlanta's bullpen, which stepped up in several key situations in their run a world series title in 2021. McHugh can aid the starting rotation in a pinch, but he'll get the strong majority of his time coming out of the bullpen.
Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos said of getting McHugh that "Collin is as good as it gets. He's from Atlanta and really wanted to be here. Drew French and Charlie Morton were with him with the Astros. They rave about him as a teammate and person. You know how much we talk about chemistry, especially with the relievers. I think he’s going to fit in and be fantastic."
Last season, with the Tampa Bay Rays, McHugh finished the regular season with a 6-1 record, to go with a strong 1.55 ERA and 0.93 WHIP, striking out 74 hitters in 68 innings pitched, totaling 7 starts and 30 relief appearances for the Rays, who won the AL East.
In his career, McHugh has a 64-44 record with a 3.77 ERA and 1.22 WHIP, striking out 845 hitters across 864 2/3 innings, making 126 starts and 121 relief appearances, pitching for the New York Mets, Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, and the Rays.
With Chris Martin and Jesse Chavez gone in free agency, McHugh and Luke Jackson stand as the top right handed relievers in the Braves bullpen, combined with lefties Will Smith, AJ Minter, and Tyler Matzek. McHugh joins Matt Olson as the two big ticket additions for the Braves this offseason.
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