Brandon Hughes

Brandon Kenneth Hughes (born December 1, 1995) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2022 for the Chicago Cubs.

Hughes played college baseball at Michigan State University. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 16th round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft as an outfielder. The Cubs converted him from an outfielder into a pitcher in 2019.

Hughes was called up to the majors for the first time on May 17, 2022. He made his MLB debut that day. Hughes made five relief appearance for the Cubs, giving up two runs in 7.0 innings pitched while striking out 9 before he was removed from the 40-man roster and returned to Triple-A on May 28. On May 30, Hughes was selected back to the active roster. On August 18, Hughes earned his first career save after pitching a scoreless ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles.

In 2023, Hughes made 17 appearances out of the Cubs' bullpen, but struggled to a 7.24 ERA with 17 strikeouts across 13+2⁄3 innings of work. On June 24, 2023, it was announced that Hughes would undergo a debridement surgery on his left knee, promptly ending his season. He was non-tendered and became a free agent on November 17.