Rookie reliever Bryan Hudson is performing at an All-Star level for the National League Central Division-leading Milwaukee Brewers.
The Brewers acquired the imposing 6-foot-8, 220-pound left-hander in an offseason trade on January 3. During his short time with the organization, Hudson has quickly become a reliable force out of the bullpen and one of the best middle relievers in baseball. He currently maintains a 4-0 overall record with an NL-best 0.84 ERA among relievers in 28 appearances this season, including 49 strikeouts and 0.63 WHIP through 43 innings of work.
CY Young: Bryan Hudson
After getting DFA’d by the LA Dodgers, Hudson has turned into the Brewers’ most reliable arm out of the pen. In 28 appearances and 43 IP, he has an ERA of .084, allowed 29 total baserunners, and has 49 strikeouts with 11 holds to boot. pic.twitter.com/6kuRGDlvAy
— Evan (@EvanBoller) June 27, 2024
All-Star hopeful Bryan Hudson has
gone at least 2.0 innings 12 times,
posting a 0.35 ERA in those outings
(25.2ip, 10h, 1r, 1er, 3bb, 28k). #ThisIsMyCrew ⭐️— Mike Vassallo (@MikeVassallo13) June 28, 2024
Rookie Reliever Performing At All-Star Level
Hudson Has Evolved Into One Of The Best In National League
Hudson, 27, was a former third-round pick of the Chicago Cubs (No. 82 overall) in the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft. Originally drafted out of high school, he gradually honed his pitching skills during valuable learning stints in the minor leagues with the Cubs and later the Los Angeles Dodgers. Eventually, making his major league debut with the Dodgers on June 17, 2023.
His statement-making first appearance with the Brewers came in the season opener versus the New York Mets on March 31. He worked three scoreless innings while yielding two hits with four strikeouts and no walks in helping the team to a 4-1 road victory. Since then, the rookie reliever has performed at an All-Star-caliber level by pitching two innings or more 12 times, posting a 0.35 ERA in those outings.
Hudson Thriving On The Situation
Hudson quickly points out that joining the hungry, high-powered defending NL Central Division champion Brewers has been memorable.
“It’s been a whirlwind of emotions at times but still a fun, really cool experience,” said Hudson in an interview with Sophia Minneart of Brewers Live. “There’s been a big learning curve of constantly taking in a lot of information…especially from the vets. There’s a lot more of a workload, but it’s been great being a part of it. We got a really good group of guys, fun bullpen, and just some guys that like to go out there and put it all on the line. We all have each other’s backs, always talk shop and instill confidence in one another.”
Hudson primarily utilizes three pitches including a four-seam fastball, sweeper, and a cutter ranging in speed from 81.9 to 91.7 MPH, according to Baseball Savant.
Bryan Hudson has been a steady force in the @Brewers bullpen in the early goings of the season!
The left-hander joined @RoFlo, @markdero7 and @Plesac19 on #MLBCentral to discuss his strong start and which areas of his game he looks to continue to improve. pic.twitter.com/7yWr54WZa1
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 19, 2024
Hudson’s strong, consistent contributions have been an unexpected welcome development for the Brewers. The team remains atop the division standings with a 49-33 overall record (.598 winning percentage). Although still maintaining rookie status, his individual statistics merit strong consideration for an All-Star selection. With the national spotlight shining even brighter as the result of the team’s success, that dream could ultimately become a reality.
Main Photo Credits: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
