Phil Hughes was once one of the most promising young prospects in the major leagues. Currently playing for the New York Yankees, the team is prepared to let the pitcher walk away at the end of the season for nothing in return. Set to become a free agent, the Star-Ledger reports the Yankees might not even put up a qualifying off for Hughes.
The situation sounds crazy, but the Yankees are prepared to move on from the pitcher. A qualifying offer would at least let the Yankees receive something in return for Hughes if he signed with another team. However, the team runs the risk of Hughes accepting the qualifying offer, thus keeping him on the team and being paid one of the top 125 salaries in baseball. Last season, players received at least $13.3 million if they signed a qualifying offer from their respective team. That number is expected to rise in the coming offseason.
Hughes has seen his struggles this season, hurting his status with the team. Just this week the Yankees announced the lefty would be headed to the bullpen after being inconsistent this year with a 4-13 record and a 4.86 ERA. Manager Joe Girardi notes the pitcher has had an up and down season and maybe a change would serve him well.
That change could land Hughes in a different uniform next year. The team has deemed him too risky to keep on the pay role. The move represents Hughes' fall from grace since entering into the majors when he was 21 years old. His best season came in 2009 when he spent most of the season pitching as a reliever. In seven seasons with the Yankees, Hughes has been a mixed bag of results at best.
David Huff will be taking Hughes spot in the starting rotation. The 29-year-old is 2-0 this season with a 1.13 ERA as a reliever. He has thrown 11 strikeouts in 16 innings with New York. He started the season with the Indians before getting claimed off waivers.
If Hughes enters the free agent market, which it appears he will, the pitcher will likely garner a lot of attention. He will not a top contract like the qualifying offer would give him, but he could land back as a starting pitcher.
