Collin Mchugh, the 2023 Atlanta Braves pitcher, has retired from Major League Baseball when Alex Anthopoulos declined his option.
At one point, keeping Collin McHugh in the Atlanta Braves clubhouse and bullpen appeared to be a given, until it was not. McHugh suffered from serious shoulder soreness in 2023 and struggled to keep his posture and control on the mound.
As a result, Alex Anthopoulos made the correct decision by declining his option for 2024. Baseball is a business, after all. Eric Cole of The House That Hank Built discussed this reality in an article published after last season:
“As good as McHugh was last year, the reality is that relievers are the most volatile commodity in baseball and Collin is 36 years old and coming off a bad, injury-riddled season. Maybe he can bounce back and be close to what he was, but Atlanta can’t bank on that happening at this stage of his career,” Cole wrote.
McHugh’s only hope at that moment was to sign with the Braves or another team before spring training on a non-guaranteed contract.
Former Braves pitcher Collin McHugh retires from baseball
McHugh has instead decided to retire from baseball altogether, according to an Instagram post on Monday.
“I was never the best player on any team I played for. Including my 7th grade church league team, on which I played catcher. I never did travel baseball…,” McHugh wrote on Instagram. “I got drafted in the 18th round by the Mets, most likely as a favor to my college coach. I threw 90 mph. I was NEVER supposed to make it out of A ball.”
McHugh played 16 seasons, including minor minors, and has been a mainstay in the majors since 2013. While his playing days are over, McHugh has no intention of retiring from the sport permanently.
“And don’t worry, I’m pretty sure I’ll be around the game forever. So if we see each other at a park near you, come say hey!’ McHugh wrote.
A 16-year Major League Baseball career is a pretty damn fantastic baseball existence, in my opinion. McHugh has done it the correct way.