Brandon Hughes: Everything you need to know

The Cubs reassigned Hughes to minor-league camp Sunday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. After turning in an 8.15 ERA and 1.92 WHIP over 17.2 innings in the majors with Arizona in 2024, Hughes had to settle for a minor-league deal with the Cubs over the winter. His contract included an invitation to MLB spring training, but the 29-year-old lefty faced long odds to win a spot in the Cubs' season-opening bullpen. Hughes is expected to begin the campaign in a relief role at Triple-A Iowa.

The Cubs signed Hughes to a minor-league contract Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports. Hughes was drafted by the Cubs in the 16th round of the 2017 Draft and briefly served as the team's closer in 2022, but his career has been sidetracked since then by knee problems and other injuries. The left-hander made 15 appearances with the Diamondbacks in 2024, posting an 8.15 ERA and 21:10 K:BB across 17.2 frames. He'll compete for a bullpen job with Chicago.

The Diamondbacks non-tendered Hughes on Friday. Although Hughes put up a 2.03 ERA in 48.2 Triple-A innings, he struggled during his time with the big-league squad, logging an 8.15 ERA and 1.92 WHIP over 17.2 frames. The 28-year-old reliever will now look to turn things around with a new organization, though he may start off the season in the minors once again.