Hudson, Pirates agree to $11M million, 2-year deal
PITTSBURGH – The Pirates bolstered their bullpen Monday, agreeing to an $11 million, two-year contract with reliever Daniel Hudson.
Hudson, 29, will make $5.5 million in both 2017 and 2018. The contract includes $1.5 million annually in performance bonuses based on games finished starting at 30 and ending at 60. Hudson went 3-2 with a 5.22 ERA in 70 appearances for the Diamondbacks in 2016.
Hudson, a former starter who became a reliever after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery on his right (throwing) elbow in 2012 and 2013, thanked the Diamondbacks for sticking with him “through some really tough times.” He later added “Let’s do this Pittsburgh.”
Hudson’s addition gives the Pirates some flexibility in their bullpen heading into spring training. Tony Watson finished with 15 saves last season after taking over the closer’s role when All-Star Mark Melancon was dealt to Washington at the trade deadline.