Tim Hudson is headed back to the Bay Area, as the free-agent starter, formerly of the Atlanta Braves, agreed to a two-year $23 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. The team announced that the deal is pending the results of a physical examination which took place on Monday.
Hudson, now 38-years old, began his major league career in 1999 with the Oakland A’s and pitched for them for six seasons, before being traded to the Braves, where he would spend nine years. He will join the Giants rotation that includes Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, and Madison Bumgarner. The Giants are expected to lose Ryan Vogelsong and Barry Zito in free agency. They are hoping that Hudson can help the team improve on its ranking of 13th in Team ERA in the National League last season.
“I’m pumped,” Giants lefty reliever Jeremy Affeldt said by text message. “Great signing for us. Competitor and innings eater. Knows how to win!”
Hudson was 8-7 and had a 3.97 ERA and 1.188 WHIP last season, in a year that was shortened when his ankle was broken on July 24th. The injury was caused when Eric Young Jr. of the New York Mets accidentally stepped on Hudson’s foot as he was racing to first base.
Hudson owns a 205-111 record and 3.44 ERA in 427 appearances (426 starts) over the course of his 15-year career. He’s posted a sub-4.00 ERA in 13 of his 15 seasons in the majors.
The Braves were reportedly interested in keeping Hudson, but unwilling to match the Giants offer.
“The Braves made a really good push (with the increased offer),” Hudson said. “They did the best they could. Frank (Wren, general manager) was great.”
The Cleveland Indians, Oakland A’s, and Baltimore Orioles were also reportedly interested in Hudson.
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Main photo credit: Matthew Straubmuller via photopin cc
