Blue Jays: Daniel Hudson has become valuable trade chip

As the trade deadline looms, Toronto Blue Jays reliever Daniel Hudson has established himself as a valuable trade chip due to his recent success pitching out of the bullpen.

The Blue Jays will undoubtedly be sellers this month as they continue to rebuild and forge ahead with their youth movement. With closer, Ken Giles garnering most of the trade talk from the bullpen, the likes of Daniel Hudson could also be an appealing commodity for postseason-bound teams.

The 32-year old will be a free agent at seasons end and has had himself a nice campaign in his first season north of the border. Hudson is 5-2 with an impressive 2.79 earned run average while earning seven holds while fanning 40 in 38. 2 innings of work.

The reliever has not surrendered a homer since May 24th and has only been touched up for one lone run in his last 12 relief appearances. Hudson would be a perfect late inning candidate for a team looking for a set-up arm that can bridge the gap to the closer. The opposition is hitting just .167 in 18 high leverage games this season off Hudson.

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The hurler also has previous postseason experience with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011 as a starter. Hudson made one appearance in the NLDS surrendering five earned runs in 5.1 innings versus the Milwaukee Brewers.

Last season, the Jays offloaded veteran relievers John Axford and Seunghwan Oh in exchange for prospects. Forrest Wall, Chad Spanberger, Bryan Baker and Corey Copping were all prospect pieces coming back in exchange for the relievers.

The Blue Jays will surely look to do the same this season, however, Hudson and Giles may lure back an even more lucrative return than last season.

With Marcus Stroman, Justin Smoak and Giles occupying most of the trade rumour chatter, look for Hudson to be moved to a contender at the deadline.