Daniel Hudson Feels Like He ‘Owes’ Dodgers To Stay Healthy And Contribute

The Los Angeles Dodgers declined Daniel Hudson’s $6.5 million club option for the 2024 season, but ended up re-signing him to a Minor League contract with a non-roster invite to Spring Training.

The veteran relief pitcher made just three appearances with the Dodgers last year before suffering a season-ending MCL sprain in his right knee. That came after his 2022 season was cut short due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.

Hudson pondered retirement during the offseason but decided to return for what will be his age-37 campaign.

The right-hander thanked the Dodgers organization for supporting him through his injuries and wants to pay them back this season by staying healthy and contributing in the bullpen, via Cary Osborne of Dodger Insider:

“I felt like this organization has really taken good care of me and my family the last couple of years and they didn’t have to,” Hudson said. “I feel like I kind of owe it to them to try to hold my side of the bargain because I feel like I kind of let some people down here in the last couple years, even though it obviously hasn’t been my fault. (Now), I’m just trying to help us win a World Series.”

Hudson’s last full MLB season came in 2021 when he posted a 3.31 ERA, 3.21 FIP, 1.08 WHIP and 13.1 strikeouts per nine over 54 appearances between the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres.

Hudson has been effective for the Dodgers when healthy as he owns a 5-5 record with six saves, a 3.31 ERA, 3.54 FIP and 1.13 WHIP across 73.1 innings pitched in 68 appearances (one start) over parts of three seasons.

Daniel Hudson expected to be on Dodgers’ Opening Day roster

Hudson making the Opening Day roster wasn’t a guarantee, but with the injury to Brusdar Graterol, it seems the veteran right-hander is in line to replace him.

“I think the quick look is obviously Hudson is certainly somebody who makes sense, given how he’s throwing the baseball and how he’s feeling,” manager Dave Roberts said.

The Dodgers will need to add Hudson to their 40-man roster before they can add him to their active roster.