KB 34
10-13-2009, 11:15 PM
Barring a last-minute, knockout offer from the Braves, right-hander Tim Hudson plans to become a free agent, according to major-league sources.
Hudson's contract with the Braves includes a $12 million mutual option for 2010. If Hudson declined his end of the deal, he would be free to negotiate with any team.
Other than Angels right-hander John Lackey, the upcoming free-agent class is largely devoid of top-of-the-rotation starters.
Hudson, 34, fits that description when healthy, and he proved that he is recovered from Tommy John surgery by going 2-1 with a 3.61 ERA in seven starts after rejoining the Braves on Sept. 1.
The Braves are likely to exercise their option on Hudson, a decision that must be made within five days of the completion of the World Series.
My initial response is I'm not that surprised. Hudson had a decent showing the last month and should have no problem finding a 1 year $12 million contract. At his age I expect worst case is he gets a one year deal with a player option for the second, which guarantees him some extra money if everything goes bad. From a Braves perspective I'd offer 2 years $25 million with a mutual option year of $13 million for a third. My feeling is Hudson+prospects from Vazquez deal gives the Braves a better chance to compete than just Vazquez. It's a gamble but a necessary gamble.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10211362/Barring-big-offer,-Braves%27-Hudson-to-be-free-agent
Hudson's contract with the Braves includes a $12 million mutual option for 2010. If Hudson declined his end of the deal, he would be free to negotiate with any team.
Other than Angels right-hander John Lackey, the upcoming free-agent class is largely devoid of top-of-the-rotation starters.
Hudson, 34, fits that description when healthy, and he proved that he is recovered from Tommy John surgery by going 2-1 with a 3.61 ERA in seven starts after rejoining the Braves on Sept. 1.
The Braves are likely to exercise their option on Hudson, a decision that must be made within five days of the completion of the World Series.
My initial response is I'm not that surprised. Hudson had a decent showing the last month and should have no problem finding a 1 year $12 million contract. At his age I expect worst case is he gets a one year deal with a player option for the second, which guarantees him some extra money if everything goes bad. From a Braves perspective I'd offer 2 years $25 million with a mutual option year of $13 million for a third. My feeling is Hudson+prospects from Vazquez deal gives the Braves a better chance to compete than just Vazquez. It's a gamble but a necessary gamble.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10211362/Barring-big-offer,-Braves%27-Hudson-to-be-free-agent