Daniel Hudson and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed on a Minor League contract in early December, keeping him with the team after missing the majority of last season.
Hudson can earn $2 million if he makes the Major League roster, with an additional $2 million in performance bonuses. The veteran right-hander had a short-lived comeback in 2023, earning one save in three appearances.
He’ll turn 37 when the regular season begins, and a successful offseason has him on track to be a part of the Dodgers Opening Day roster.
Hudson had some thoughts of retirement, but walking away from baseball because of injuries wasn’t how he wanted his career to end, per Cary Osborne of Dodger Insider:
“I didn’t want it to get taken away from me like it was,” Hudson said.
Over three seasons with the Dodgers, Hudson is 5-5 with six saves, a 3.31 ERA, 3.54 FIP and a 1.13 WHIP across 73.1 innings pitched in 68 appearances.
Hudson dealt with various injuries, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, right ankle tendinitis last spring, then suffering an MCL sprain in his right knee after his three outings this past season.
How can Daniel Hudson contribute to the Dodgers’ bullpen
Still possessing high-quality stuff, Hudson has the experience pitching in leverage scenarios. The Dodgers have filled their bullpen with upside arms, including Blake Treinen and J.P. Feyereisen, also returning from injury.
Prior to his ailments, Hudson posted a 2.22 ERA, 2.04 FIP, 11.10 strikeouts per nine 24.1 innings pitched over 25 games. He’s been an incredible driver in ground ball rate, and a strong prowess for limiting walks.
If he can stay healthy, Hudson should be an important part of the Dodgers’ bullpen, and he should benefit by returning from a leg injury and not an arm injury.
Still, relievers are volatile, and health has been an issue for Hudson, so he can’t be counted on to be a consistent performer. Regardless, it’s a smart, low-risk gamble for the Dodgers.
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