Another potential Red Sox target has come off the board, as Tim Hudson is apparently close to inking a deal with the San Francisco Giants.
Jul 24, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher
Tim Hudson(15) pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
The 38-year-old Hudson is reportedly signing a two-year deal worth around $23-million. The Giants are spending big money on a guy who missed the last two months of the year due to a broken ankle. Hudson had pitched himself to 3.97 ERA and a 6.5 K/9 ratio before Eric Young stepped on his foot on a play at first, shattering the ankle.
Hudson reportedly had a large handful of suitors, but contract demands plus recovery worries presumably gave pause to many of those clubs. Hudson’s ankle screw was removed on the Seventh of November, so he should be running in a few weeks time and will likely be ready for spring training, barring any complications.
Hudson’s contract is only slightly less dollars than Ryan Dempster received last off-season, and likely well out of a desirable price range for Boston’s front office. And while they say that too much pitching is never a bad thing (See Dodgers, Los Angeles) Hudson is probably one the Sox can afford to miss out on, especially considering their depth in the high minors.