Why is Jared Hughes being non-tendered? Last season the right-handed Hughes was solid out of the bullpen for the Brewers with a 5-3, 5-3, 3.02 ERA, 67 games, 59.2 innings pitched, 1.22 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9, 7.2 K/9 that certainly draws attention for those desiring bullpen help. Hughes seemed to fill the gap created by the departure of Tyler Thornburg. Hughes also had a 0.5 fWAR for 2017.
What is the issue? The money obvious surfaces as a third-year arbitration coming off a career season will show a welcome – at least for one season – to the world of the 1%. Hughes also is the lefty hitter’s friend as they hit the righty at a .282 clip. Righties hit just .206.
Hughes is a two-pitch pitcher with his fastball as his major calling card being tossed 77.5% with a 93.5 velocity. Hughes also works in a slider to change things up. For his career, Hughes has a 2.85 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP, so Hughes has control keeps the ball in the park (career 0.7 HR/9) and hears the call with 60+ appearances the last four seasons.
Hughes will be in demand and undoubtedly look for a multi-year deal now that he is 32-years-old. With the previously mentioned McFarland market conditions and performance will impact his ability at securing an MLB position – not so with Hughes who may be an under the radar hot commodity.
Hughes is certainly worth a look and a call to his agents. With Addison Reed gone, Carson Smith still of concern and Thornburg out to pasture Hughes may be practical, but probably the pricy possibility. I would place his acquisition on the potential low-end of the spectrum.
Signing Possibility: Low