The 2024 season came to a thrilling end Wednesday night as the Los Angeles Dodgers overcame a five-run deficit to defeat the New York Yankees in Game 5, capturing their eighth World Series championship in franchise history.
And with that, Daniel Hudson’s career also came to an end. As the Dodgers celebrated their title inside the visiting clubhouse at Yankee Stadium, Hudson announced his retirement while speaking with media.
The 37-year-old returned on a Minor League contract this season after appearing in just three games in 2023. Hudson’s debut last year did not come until the end of June because of a lengthy recovery from surgery for a torn ACL in left knee, an injury he suffered in in 2022.
The right-hander then had last season cut short because of a right MCL sprain sustained while converting a save for the Dodgers.
“I just can’t put into words how frustrating and disappointing this is for him. So it’s an IL and it’s going to be quite some time,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said at the time. “He gutted it out. I don’t know how he made those last two pitches, but that’s kind of where we’re at.”
There was an outside chance Hudson was going to return last year if the Dodgers managed to advance in the postseason.
That didn’t come to pass, but the veteran was determined to not have his career end in that fashion. Hudson also only had interest in signing with the Dodgers.
Hudson’s Minor League contract with the Dodgers included a $2 million salary if making the team and opportunity to earn up to an additional $2 million in performance bonuses.
Hudson remained healthy in 2024, but did hit stretches where he appeared fatigued. When asked about his future during the National League Championship Series, Hudson said he hadn’t yet given any thought to it.
Daniel Hudson’s Dodgers stats
Including time spent with the team in 2018, Hudson went 11-7 with 16 saves, a 3.17 ERA, 3.84 FIP and 1.09 WHIP in 133 games (one start) over parts of four seasons with the Dodgers.
Hudson retires as a two-time World Series champion.
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