Braves ink Atlanta product McHugh for 2 years

NORTH PORT, Fla. -- A few hours after introducing new first baseman Matt Olson, the Braves bolstered their bullpen by signing right-handed pitcher Collin McHugh to a two-year, $10 million contract.

McHugh is a versatile pitcher who will be targeted to serve as a late-inning reliever. The 34-year-old hurler posted a 1.55 ERA, recorded 74 strikeouts and issued 12 walks over 64 innings for the Rays last year. He made 37 appearances, 25 of which consisted of more than one inning.

With the offseason losses of Chris Martin and Jesse Chavez, Luke Jackson had previously stood as the Braves’ only lock to begin the season as a late-inning right-handed option. McHugh provides another option and enhances the strength of what could be a very formidable bullpen.

“Collin is as good as it gets,” Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos said. “He’s from Atlanta and really wanted to be here. [Bullpen coach] 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.”

As the Braves journeyed toward a World Series title last year, they were fueled by the dominance of the Night Shift, a quartet of relievers that consisted of closer Will Smith, Tyler Matzek, A.J. Minter and Jackson. McHugh could easily earn a spot within this group. He limited opponents to a .207 batting average and a .252 on-base percentage last year.

“He’s every bit a late-inning guy who can get both sides out and set up easily,” Anthopoulos said.

McHugh went to high school at Providence Christian Academy in Lilburn, Ga., which coincidently is also the home of Parkview High School, Olson’s alma mater.

After spending the first few full seasons of his career as a starter in Houston, McHugh moved to the bullpen and thrived. He posted a 1.99 ERA over 58 relief appearances for the Astros in 2018 and then had a 2.67 ERA in 27 relief appearances during the 2019 season. He chose to sit out the 2020 COVID-shortened season and then was one of the Rays’ top pitchers last year.

Smith, Matzek, Minter, Jackson and McHugh are currently projected as locks for the bullpen. Non-roster invitee Darren O’Day could grab a spot if he remains healthy, and being out of options could help Sean Newcomb’s bid. Right-handers Jacob Webb, Touki Toussaint and Jay Jackson are among the other candidates.