According to the Atlanta Braves' transactions log, the organization has recently made a trade at the minor league level, acquiring right-handed pitcher Jonathan Hughes from the Philadelphia Phillies for a return that is unknown. Hughes was also recently assigned to High-A Rome on March 24 as well.
Atlanta Braves acquire RHP Jonathan Hughes from Phillies
Returning home in the trade, Hughes was originally selected in the second round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles out of Flowery Branch High School, rated as the No. 188 overall prospect in that draft according to MLB Pipeline. Hughes would however go on to play collegiately for five seasons at Georgia Tech, as well as go undrafted in the 2020 MLB Draft, where he shortly after signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.
At Georgia Tech, Hughes would make 57 total appearances for the Yellow Jackets, 18 of which were starts, owning a combined 4.36 ERA and 113:76 K:BB ratio across 142.1 IP.
During the 2021 season in what was his professional debut, Hughes would make 23 appearances with High-A Jersey Shore, 13 of which were starts, owning a 4-8 record with a 5.92 ERA and 57:37 K:BB ratio across 73 IP.
A year ago however, Hughes would transition to a full-time reliever for the first time since his 2019 season at Georgia Tech, a move that would mark a breakout year for the 26-year-old right-hander. Remaining in High-A once again, Hughes would own an 0-5 record with a 3.59 ERA and 36:16 K:BB ratio across 42.2 IP, while also compiling eight saves.
As mentioned at the start, Hughes was recently assigned to High-A Rome, where he is set to begin his third professional season at the same level as the last two years. With a strong start to the season however, Hughes could very quickly see Double-A Mississippi at some point early in the year.