The Chicago Cubs are bringing a familiar face back to the organization.
Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reported on Friday afternoon that the Cubs have agreed to a minor-league deal with left-handed relief pitcher Brandon Hughes.
Source: Brandon Hughes is finalizing a return to the Chicago Cubs on a minor-league deal, giving their bullpen another left-handed option and a reliever with good experience in the late innings at Wrigley Field.https://t.co/tzv8q7Y3Vv
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) January 31, 2025
Hughes is a product of the Cubs' farm system after being drafted by the team in 2017. Hughes made his Major League debut for the Cubs in 2022 and immediately gained the trust of then-manager David Ross. In his first season at the Major League level, Hughes posted a 3.12 ERA in 57 games. A converted position player, there were plenty of Cubs fans excited about the prospects of having Hughes in the bullpen for multiple seasons.
After his rookie season with the Cubs in 2022, Hughes seemed to be well on his way to becoming a staple in the Cubs' bullpen. Unfortunately, a knee injury limited Hughes to 17 appearances with the Cubs in 2023. Hughes' sophomore season didn't season the same success, posting a 7.24 ERA in 13.2 innings pitched.
Hughes spent the 2024 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks but struggled to find success in his brief stint at the Major League level. Hughes was tagged for 16 runs last season in 17.2 innings pitched. However, Hughes did post a 2.03 ERA with the Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliate in 40 appearances.
If nothing else, Hughes has given the Cubs more pitching depth while having a profile the organization is familiar with. If the Cubs can find the production that Hughes had in 2022, he certainly would be a valuable asset for a Cubs' bullpen that has been short of effective left-handed relief pitchers in recent seasons.
Beyond the minor-league pact with Hughes, the Cubs are expected to add another veteran to their bullpen on a Major League deal. All signs point to David Robertson being that veteran.