Who Am I?
Collin McHugh
RHP
Age: 29
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 190
Throws right, Bats right
How did I get here?
McHugh was originally drafted by the Mets in the 18th round in 2008. In 2013, he was traded to Colorado in exchange for Eric Young. Colorado thought so highly of this deal that they waived McHugh following the 2013 season, when he was promptly claimed by Houston.
Contract status: McHugh was a rarity in recent years as he actually went to his arbitration hearing and won, receiving a 1 year $3.85M contract. He has two years of arbitration eligibility remaining.
Why am I here?
Collin is the veteran presence in the rotation and is certain to be the #3 starter heading into the season.
What are my strengths?
McHugh throws a wide assortment of pitches, but his bread-and-butter is his curve. It’s not in the class of McCullers’ curve, or Giles’ slider, but it’s a plus pitch. 2016 hitters managed only a .350 SLG against the curve, and that was lower the previous two seasons.
What are my weaknesses?
McHugh lacks velocity on his fastball, and hitters are increasingly sitting on the pitch – and crushing it. He throws both a four-seam and cut fastball, and gave up 16 homers on those pitches last year.
What is my future with the Astros?
Not every pitcher needs to be an ace. McHugh should be a reliable mid-to-back of the rotation starter for at the next few years. Beyond that – I wouldn’t expect an effort to keep him once he reaches free agency.
What is my projected 2017 performance?
| W | L | IP | H | HR | BB | SO | ERA | WHIP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 13 | 10 | 184.2 | 206 | 25 | 54 | 177 | 4.34 | 1.41 |
| PECOTA | 13 | 8 | 174 | 165 | 19 | 56 | 169 | 3.63 | 1.27 |
| ZIPS | 177.2 | 177 | 21 | 48 | 166 | 3.85 | 1.27 | ||
| MMWAG | 13 | 9 | 175 | 169 | 20 | 50 | 177 | 3.70 | 1.25 |
Jose Lima – without the personality.