The Next Step for Daniel Hudson
Relief Pitcher Daniel Hudson is currently a free agent. After a great 2019, Hudson can join his fifth different team in four seasons. Heading into his 33-year-old season the World Series Champion was a vital part of the Washington Nationals postseason run. After starting the season with the Toronto Blue Jays, Hudson pitched to an ERA of 1.44 in 25 innings pitched with a WHIP of 0.880 as a member of the Washington Nationals.
During the 2019 season, Hudson produced an ERA of 2.47 in 73 innings with a WHIP of 1.137 including 71 strikeouts. For most of the 2019 season, Hudson was used mostly in the 8th inning to hold the lead late in the game. When he came to Washington, the Nationals decided to use him as a 9th inning guy. For a prospective team, Hudson would be good to acquire to bolster the bullpen, but not as the best pitcher in the bullpen. Even in Toronto, the Blue Jays trusted Ken Giles to close out games for them.
In 2019, Daniel Hudson made $1.5 million coming off a poor season as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hudson will likely make more money in 2020 due to his use in high leverage situations in the postseason. Not to mention he never let in an earned run during the postseason until the World Series. Here are some teams that should consider signing Daniel Hudson.
Boston Red Sox
The 2019 season was not as expected for the Boston Red Sox. After winning the 2018 World Series, the Red Sox failed to even make the playoffs. That could be attributed to their pitching performance. In 2019, the Red Sox had an ERA of 4.70, a big jump from 2018 where the team ERA was 3.75. While Brandon Workman has established himself as the team’s closer, the Red Sox need an 8th inning pitcher. While Andrew Cashner is a free agent, perhaps Daniel Hudson could be an admirable replacement. The Red Sox have signed Josh Osich earlier in free agency, but they likely aren’t finished.
Washington Nationals
Daniel Hudson seemed to be quite comfortable after coming to Washington. As mentioned above, the numbers he produced were incredible. As a player who has moved around a lot, maybe he has found a home in the Nation’s Capital. After all, they did win the World Series. While the Nationals have stellar starting pitching, their bullpen was mediocre. Only Daniel Hudson and Tanner Rainey had an ERA under 4.00 in 2019. Not to mention that Daniel Hudson is a native of Virginia Beach, only a three-hour drive away from Washington D.C.
Chicago Cubs
Similar to the Boston Red Sox, the Chicago Cubs were expected to make the playoffs heading into 2019. Unfortunately, they did not make the playoffs. While the Cubs hope to return to the postseason, they will need to improve their bullpen. As Steve Cishek and Brandon Kintzler are free agents; the Cubs need a potential replacement. Like the Red Sox, they have their closer in Craig Kimbrel but need a set-up man.
Daniel Hudson is familiar with Chicago, having made his debut as a member of the Chicago White Sox. Perhaps, Daniel Hudson should be someone the Cubs consider signing in 2020.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a young and entertaining team. Having won the National League East the past two seasons; they hope that they can do it again in 2020. The Atlanta Braves pitching staff produced a total of 4.19 ERA, making them 5th best in the National League. The Braves have already made moves to build a stronger bullpen by signing Will Smith; one of the few bright spots on the 2019 San Francisco Giants.
Catcher Travis d’Arnaud is headed to the Atlanta Braves on a two-year, $16M deal. Atlanta has made three of the four free agent signings this winter and now guaranteed $69 million to d’Arnaud, Will Smith and Chris Martin. A nice start to the winter for the Braves.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 24, 2019
Daniel Hudson produced a lower ERA than any current Braves reliever, including Will Smith. If the Braves continue to increase their bullpen depth, World Series Champion Daniel Hudson could be a great acquisition.
Houston Astros
In 2019, the Houston Astros produced the American League’s Second Best ERA at 3.66. While the Astros won the 2019 American League pennant, they finished just one win shy of their second World Series in three years. With relievers Will Harris and Collin McHugh still free agents, Hudson would be a great acquisition for the Astros. The Astros have their closer in Roberto Osuna but need reliable pitchers in the 7th and 8th innings.
Wild Card Pick: Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies were close to making the playoffs in 2019. While they had a prominent season from their offense, their 4.53 ERA was 11th best in the National League. As the Phillies have yet to sign a relief pitcher this offseason, Daniel Hudson could be the pitcher they have been waiting for.
