Jared

Hughes

Hughes made the announcement on Instagram. The right-hander appeared in 542 games in his 10 years of MLB action, and he registered a 2.96 ERA with a 371/190 K/BB ratio in 541 1/3 innings. The right-hander spent his first six years with the Pirates, but also played for the Reds, Brewers Phillies and finished his career with the Mets.

Hughes tested positive for COVID-19 last month but has made a full recovery. He’ll provide middle relief depth.

Hughes missed all of summer camp and the Mets declined to explain why, but Hughes came forward with the news on Wednesday. He reported to the team’s alternate training site last week and is currently getting stretched out with regular bullpen workouts. The veteran right-hander should soon join the active roster.

Hughes missed all of summer camp for undisclosed reasons, but it sounds like he could be an option for the Mets relatively soon. The 35-year-old right-hander signed a one-year, $700,000 (prorated) contract with New York in late June and projects to work in middle relief whenever he’s deemed fit for live MLB appearances.

Hughes has been absent from summer camp for undisclosed reasons. It’s not clear when he might be available to pitch again.

The Mets aren’t commenting on players who aren’t at camp. It’s not worth speculating on right now. Hughes signed a one-year deal with the Mets last week at a prorated $700,000 salary. He’s coming off an underwhelming year, but should find a spot in middle relief.

A source told MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo that the deal is worth a prorated $700,000 (so about $260,000). Hughes was released by the Astros at his request after the shutdown in March. He’ll almost certainly have a spot in the middle of the Mets pen. He’s coming off a down 2019 (4.04 ERA in 71 1/3 innings), but it’s the closest thing he’s had to a rough season in a half dozen years.

Hughes was given the release at his request, according to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. The 34-year-old right-hander signed a minor league contract with Houston in mid-February with an invite to spring training, and posted a 6.35 ERA over five Grapefruit League appearances. Had he made the Astros, he would have made $1.5 million in 2020.

Hughes has been underrated his entire career, so it’s not surprising that he’d have to settle for a minor league deal after his first mediocre year in the last six. His ERAs since 2014: 1.96, 2.28, 3.03, 3.02, 1.94 and 4.04. He’ll compete for a bullpen spot.

They’ll give him a $250,000 buyout instead. Hughes posted a 4.04 ERA over 72 appearances for the Reds and Phillies this season.