Following the conclusion of this year's World Series, the Braves will have three days to decide on whether or not to exercise a $9MM option on Tim Hudson or pay a $1MM buyout. It seems practically inevitable that they'll pick up the option, but David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Hudson is hoping for more than just one final year as a Brave:
"I’d love to stay here,” said Hudson … who’s been with the Braves for eight seasons. “Obviously for next year, but I’d love to stay here as long as they’ll have me.”
Hudson, 37, pitched to a 3.62 ERA with a 5.1 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 in 179 1/3 innings of work for the Braves this season. His 55.5 percent ground-ball rate ranked seventh in all of baseball among qualified starters, but still represented a noticeable departure from the 62.2 percent mark he posted from 2007-10.
The sinkerballer missed time with bone spurs in his ankle this season, but told O'Brien that he believes the back surgery he underwent last November has prolonged his career:
“I felt better this year than I have in a while, except for the ankle,” he said. “My arm felt great all year, my back never gave me any problems, so that was definitely encouraging. I feel good that I can pitch for a while longer.”
The Braves, of course, don't have to decide on a long-term extension right now. Hudson would like to discuss such a deal this offseason, but the Braves could simply wait to see how he fares in 2013 before deciding on his fate. There are some signs for concern that would merit such caution. Hudson's ERA rose in both 2011 and 2012, his ground-ball rate declined in each of those seasons, and his 5.1 K/9 in 2012 was his lowest since 2004. Hudson's sinker also averaged just 89 mph — a full 1.5 mph drop from 2011.
The Alabama native has been with the Braves since being acquired from the Athletics following the 2004 season. In hindsight, that trade looks like a steal, as the Braves gave up just Juan Cruz, Dan Meyer and Charles Thomas. While all three were highly regarded, none developed into a superstar. Hudson, meanwhile, has pitched to a 3.52 ERA in 1,441 2/3 innings for the Braves.
I’d offer him 2 years $13 mill with a 3rd year team option of $6 mill. I bet he takes it.
even if he declines, he’d be one hell of a 5th starter.
Who goes into the Braves rotation next year assuming Hudson is picked up? Medlen Minor Hudson Maholm Delgado but who goes down when Beachy comes back
Luckily, that’s not something they have to decide on until Beachy comes back. It also seems like a “we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it” scenario that has a way of working itself out. If all five of those guys are healthy and effective when Beachy comes back, it’s a nice problem to have, especially considering they’ve still got Teheran in their back pocket.
Whoever is the worst… likely Delgado. Of course, Tehran could end up in that spot anyway. Assuming all are healthy (never happens) you could even trade one.
Unless they’re packaging players to get a premium offensive player who is already under contract, I’m betting they keep all of the aforementioned pitchers. There’s no such thing as too much rotation depth…just ask the Red Sox.
Don’t forget Hanson. I think they go with Hudson, Hanson, Medlen, Minor and Maholm to start. I’ve got a feeling they move Delgado before the start of the season. He would bring back a very nice haul.
I don’t think so Hanson has just been horrible I figure he’ll be gone this offseason
Hanson had some trouble lat year, but he still struck out nearly a batter an inning. Still has awesome stuff.
No way they non-tender Hanson. One bad year after three good ones is not the time to get rid of a guy with Hanson’s ability.
Hanson lost tons of velocity on his FB. The Front Office looked at him as the 4th best starter going into the season
The guy that was going to bring back Ryan Dempster is going to get a nice haul? Keep dreaming.
??? Maybe you should look at Delgado’s numbers a little bit. The Dempster trade was universally panned by Braves fans and would have been a huge overpay for Dempster. Delgado is 22 and was the #46 rated prospect before the season began. 7.38 K/9, .78 Hr/9, 4.07 FIP. This was as a 22 year old! This was his first extended season in the bigs and he held his own. Delgado would bring back a good young position player. I could see a Delgado for Fowler trade happening. Fowler would be just what the Braves are looking for and he is also a quality, cheap, and young player. Or the Braves can make a move for Bourjos. Both guys are great fits for the Braves and have either worn out their welcome in their respective cities or are behind other players. Both trading partners are also in need of pitching. Bourjos is cheaper but Fowler has a better offensive track record.
I’d rather keep Delgado and Teheran. If I was to make a trade, I’d make it around Spruill, who is also a good prospect, or maybe Gilmartin or Minor.
I would for sure do Spruill or Gilmartin, but I think the Angels would want a more sure thing. Delgado or Minor both can be dropped into the #3 or #4 spot right now into a rotation and be very good. I would rather not give up either, but you have to give to get. With Chipper leaving the Braves need to shore up their offense. Centerfielders this year are going to cash in. With the price being so high the Braves are better off moving from a position of strength and acquiring a cost-controlled centerfielder/ shortstop.
I would not give up Delgado for either of those guys. Fowler had a good year overall but his home/road splits are concerning. Bourjos’ numbers in his limited ML career have not been very good. For CF I think there are better options on the FA market. I’d rather get Pagan or Victorino.
I don’t think Maholm is a sure bet. Hanson will also still be around, I think they’ll give him one more chance, though if I could trade him I would. If Braves pick up Maholm’s option, I assume Hanson is gone.
I would say trade Maholm at the deadline – assuming Beachy is ready shortly after Aug.1st- if needbe give Gilmartin or Spruill a spot start in August to fill the Bridge, or even C-Mart if he’s still around, assuming no injuries.
Tim Hudson and his wife are both leaders in the community, he is a leader in the clubhouse and he is a dependable starter, he isn’t going anywhere.
Maybe extend him this off season on a two year 14 mil deal. Saves you a lil bit more cash this offseason and gives him another year in the ATL. Maybe add a third year option based on games started or innings pitched
Maybe a 2 year extension worth 15 million with a club option worth 8 million, and 1 million buyout.
My favorite Huddy stat – he has had a winning record in every season he’s ever played. I know wins are a grossly overrated stat but you can’t deny that’s pretty damn impressive at age 37.
I think that this is an opportunity for flexibility for Frank Wren… He could pay him 9 mil for a season, see how it goes and extend him. Or, he could reshape it into a 2 year 15 mil contract, as suggested, and spend that money on a FA. I wouldn’t be opposed to extending him to a third year if it made signing a super star possible