Target No More; Tim Hudson Signs with Giants

Tim Hudson Agrees With Giants

Once Targeted by Indians, Tim Hudson has agreed to a two-year $23-million deal with the San Francisco Giants. The deal, which contains a full no trade clause, will pay Hudson $11-million in 2014 and $12-million in 2015. At 38-years-old, the deal is a bit risky for the Giants, but not so risky that it could cripple them financially for years to come.

However, the deal was contingent on Hudson passing a physical with the Giants’ training staff. As you may recall, Hudson suffered a freak ankle injury late in the season when Eric Young Jr. trampled his ankle on a play at first base. After having successful season ending surgery, it appears that Hudson is fully healed and ready to re-establish his value at the major league level.

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

It’s not as if Tim Hudson’s value had completely fallen of the map, though. Prior to his season ending injury, he had posted a respectable 3.97 ERA and 1.188 WHIP. But, from the beginning of June up until the time of his injury, Hudson posted a 2.73 ERA and walked only 19 batters while striking out 50. He looked like a completely different pitcher following a slow start to his 2013 campaign. It was this rebound and the Braves solid playoff hopes that made his injury that much more depressing for Braves Fans.

Early on this offseason, it was reported that several teams had expressed interest in Hudson’s services, provided he would be healthy in time for the start of the 2014 season. Among those reported to be interested were the Cleveland Indians. Terry Francona was believed to be spearheading the campaign to bring Tim Hudson to Cleveland by engaging in a lengthy phone conversation with the free agent right hander. However, as interest grew, it was reported that Hudson was looking for at least two years and $24-million. With the Indians more than likely looking to sign Hudson to a one-year deal, the news more than likely took them out of contention for his services.

Now, with Tim Hudson spurning them for the dollars and guaranteed years of the San Francisco Giants, the Indians will set their sights on any number of other free agent starting pitchers. They may still have an outside chance of re-signing either Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir, but with each and every domino that falls it appears that both pitchers will be out of the Indians comfortable price range.

For a full list of possible free agent targets for the Indians, please refer to our list of possible free agent and offseason trade targets by following this link.