Hughson enjoyed his best season in 1942, posting a 22–6 record with a 2.59 ERA, and also leading the league in victories, strikeouts (113), complete games (22), innings pitched (281.0) and batters faced (1150).

After serving in the military in 1945, he won 20 games in 1946, led the league in walks per nine innings (1.65), set a career high in strikeouts with 172, and completed 21 of 35 starts.

In an eight-year career, Hughson posted a 96–54 won-lost record with 693 strikeouts and a 2.94 ERA in 1375.2 innings.

Hughson was a successful and competitive major league pitcher who was not averse to throwing close to batters, changing speeds by mixing a hard fastball with an overhand curveball.

At the height of his career, arm and shoulder injuries threatened permanent disability and hastened his retirement.