Here is what happened so that all the speculation can end: Baltimore thought extremely highly of Hughes. They were planning on signing him for around slot (give or take about 75k). He had all intentions of signing....and then the physical. The Orioles staff (doctor/trainers/management) saw something with Hughes arm that scared them enough to feel that $900k was too much of an investment to make in him. The Orioles came back and offered around 400-500k, but Hughes felt that it was not enough. The two sides could not reach an agreement. Hughes feels that he will be able to get a higher bonus in 3 years.
If this had been my son or brother, I would've advised him to take the deal as the Orioles would have paid for any possible surgeries, rehab, etc. The young man and his family decided attending GT was his best option.
