The Braves leaned on a strong bullpen in 2022 often, however one guy didn't have the season everyone expected. In 2022 Atlanta Braves reliever Colin McHugh posted a 2.60 ERA across 69.1 innings. Unfortunately, the script was flipped in 2023.
McHugh appeared in 41 games for the Braves last season and tossed a total of 58.2 innings. He was mainly utilized as a long reliever to eat innings when the bullpen needed a rest or the starter that night had an early exit. In that role, most managers would like to have someone who keeps their team within striking distance. It is safe to say that Braves skipper Brian Snitker did not feel this way about McHugh in 2023.
Last season, McHugh went 4-1 but had a 4.30 ERA in 58.2 innings. He also issued a total of 22 free passes in his time on the mound.
McHugh displayed an underwhelming fastball, which is to be expected in a 36 year old pitcher. However, his breaking stuff that he had to rely on was not exactly sharp either.
As a result, hitters were able to take advantage of the fastballs McHugh had to serve up behind in the count or spit on breaking pitches out of the zone and take walks which became problematic.
Colin McHugh ended 2023 on possibly the worst note possible. In his last two appearances for the Atlanta Braves, McHugh surrendered four earned runs in each of them. One of those outings was only 1.1 innings and the other was a whopping 3 innings. This makes it no surprise that McHugh is a free agent heading into the 2024 season and has worked his way out of the supremely talented Braves bullpen.
With the way he exited the season, McHugh’s career could be over. However, if he decides to hang around the league, a team could take a chance on him on a one year contract due to his experience in the postseason which includes a 2017 World Series title in which he was a big part of.