Tim Hudson to sign with Giants

The San Francisco Giants and pitcher Tim Hudson have reportedly agreed to a two-year, $23 million contract for the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Hudson has formally resided in the Bay Area, playing with the Oakland Athletics from 1999 to 2004. Hudson heads back west, time time however, to San Francisco. The deal could also include full no-trade rights, according to Buster Olney of ESPN. 

Hudson, 38, has been one of the best pitchers over the last decade pitching to a career 3.44 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. He averages 16 wins a year; he has won 205 over his entire career. Reliable as he is, Tim Hudson averages 34 starts a season, and has led the league in starts twice. He is able to come out and pitch on a regular basis without being injured. In 2013, however, reliable Hudson took a fall, as a freak accident occurred when Eric Young Jr., the Mets outfielder, stepped on Hudson's ankle on his way to first base. Hudson had a surgical screw removed from his foot just eleven days ago. He should be ready to go again in a month. 

The signing however, seems to be a medium-risk, high reward signing for the Giants. If Hudson is unable to go, he is still payed a bulk of that salary. I do not expect that to happen, however, as Hudson, as I said, has been a reliable starter over his entire career. In 2013, Hudson was just getting started once the injury occurred. From July 6 to July 24, Hudson made four starts. He went 4-0 with a 3.10 ERA and a .245 BAA in that span. He still seemed to be the Tim Hudson he was. 

Hudson drew interest from many teams this offseason. The Braves attempted to retain the veteran, but he did not decide to stay in Atlanta. Hudson will continue his career in San Fransico and will join a staff led by Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, and recently re-signed Tim Lincecum.