Rockies Demote Pitching Prospect Gabriel Hughes to Triple-A

The 23-year-old right-hander won't be on the Rockies' Opening Day roster.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Colorado Rockies have optioned pitching prospect Gabriel Hughes to their Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque. Hughes was added to the Rockies' 40-man roster in November but will not break camp with the major league club for Opening Day. The 23-year-old right-hander split time between Double-A and Triple-A last season, posting a 4.19 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 105.1 total innings.

Why it matters

Hughes was considered one of the Rockies' top pitching prospects heading into the 2026 season, so his demotion to the minors is a setback in his development. The Rockies are hoping he can continue to refine his skills at the Triple-A level before potentially earning a call-up to the big-league club later in the year.

The details

The Rockies optioned Hughes to their Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque on Sunday. Hughes was added to the Rockies' 40-man roster in November but will not be on the team's Opening Day roster. Last season, the 23-year-old right-hander split time between Double-A and Triple-A, finishing with a 4.19 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 105.1 total innings.

  • Hughes was added to the Rockies' 40-man roster in November 2025.
  • The Rockies optioned Hughes to Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Gabriel Hughes

A 23-year-old right-handed pitching prospect in the Colorado Rockies organization.

Colorado Rockies

The Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Hughes will continue his development at the Triple-A level, and the Rockies will monitor his progress with the hope of potentially calling him up to the major league club later in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Rockies' decision to option Gabriel Hughes to Triple-A is a sign that the organization wants to take a cautious approach with his development, ensuring he is fully prepared before making his MLB debut.