Ex-Astros champion pitcher announces retirement from MLB
Oct 22, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; The Houston Astros logo is seen during the third inning of game one of the 2019 World Series against the Washington Nationals at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
With his World Series ring in tow, one veteran pitcher is walking off into the night.
Right-hander Collin McHugh announced Monday on his Instagram account that he is retiring from Major League Baseball. McHugh said that “it’s finally time for me to hang ‘em up” but added that “I’m pretty sure I’ll be around the game forever.”
Here is his full post.
The 36-year-old McHugh pitched 11 MLB seasons for five teams (the New York Mets, Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, and Atlanta Braves). He was also a member of the Boston Red Sox in the 2020 season but never pitched for them due to injury.
McHugh had his best years with the Astros, finishing eighth in AL Cy Young voting with a 19-7 campaign in 2015 and then winning it all with Houston in 2017. Amid a number of elbow issues, McHugh would transition into a relief role for the final seasons of his career. He last pitched for Atlanta, going 4-1 with a 4.30 ERA over 40 bullpen appearances in 2023.
While McHugh might also be remembered for his divisive comments about his role in the Astros’ notorious sign-stealing scandal, he had a fine career overall and can now look ahead to his next act.
