Just days after inking free-agent pitcher Ricky Nolasco to a 4-year $49 million contract, the Minnesota Twins have signed another starting pitcher in free agency. The Twins came to terms with former New York Yankee Phil Hughes on a 3-year $24 million contract on Saturday. The deal is pending a physical, which Hughes is expected to take in the coming days. The two moves represent significant upgrades for a starting staff that was amongst the worst in the majors in 2013.
The 27-year-old Hughes was amongst the youngest players in free agency. He struggled last season for the Yankees putting up a 4-14 record with a 5.19 ERA, 1.46 WHIP over 145 2/3 innings in 29 starts and 1 relief appearance for the Yankees. His K:BB ratio was good at 121 to 42, showing that he still has good velocity and good control over his pitches but will need to do a better job at keeping hitters in the ballpark after surrendering 24 homeruns last year, but the move from New Yankee Stadium to Target Field should certainly be a start, but Hughes must work on his 33.0% ground ball rate, third lowest amongst active pictures with at least 500 Innings Pitched, in order to be successful even in the new park.
In 7 years in the majors, all with the Yankees, Hughes is 56-50 with a 4.54 ERA and 1.322 WHIP.
Hughes will join Nolasco in the new look Twins rotation. Also expected to be part of the staff are Kevin Correia, and Samuel Deduno. The fifth and final spot in the rotation seems up for grabs at this point, unless the Twins bring in another veteran arm. Kyle Gibson, Liam Hendriks, Vance Worley, Andrew Albers and Scott Diamond are currently expected to compete for the spot in spring training.
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