Blue Jays: Daniel Hudson traded to the Washington Nationals

The Toronto Blue Jays parted with one of their best relief pitchers in 2019 when they traded right hander Daniel Hudson to the Washington Nationals today.

It comes as no surprise as the 32 year old  journeyman was having a fantastic season posting a 3.00 ERA in 48 innings pitched with two saves for the Toronto Blue Jays. Hudson was playing on a 1-year, 1.5 million contract for the Blue Jays which he signed late in March this year, and will become an unrestricted free agent next season.

In recent weeks, Daniel Hudson had been drawing interest from the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox but ultimately ended up with Washington. Hudson had been less dominant in his last few appearances posting a 4.50 ERA over his last six trips to the mound. Yet, with his experience and tremendous 2019 season overall, there were multiple teams interested in the services of the 10 year veteran.

Coming back to Toronto will be Kyle Johnston, a 6’0 right-hander out of Texas, who had made 20 starts in High-A this season with a 4.03 ERA. He was the Nationals’ 27th ranked prospect, and Bob Nightengale was the first with the return.

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Stocking the minors with valuable young talent is never a bad thing, and the Blue Jays continue to do that in abundance in an attempt to bolster future rosters. It’s difficult to predict who will step up in Daniel Hudson’s absence for the Blue Jays but it is possible that some pitchers may be brought up from Buffalo to fill in for the hole now opened up by Hudson’s departure.

In the end Daniel Hudson’s time with the Blue Jays will be viewed as a success for Ross Atkins. It’s these type of low risk signings that can generate much needed prospect capital, and with organizations more inclined to hold onto prospects these days, prying away something for a low cost relief pitcher signed late into the offseason can be chalked up as a win.

I expect to see more of these types of deals from the Blue Jays management going forward once free agency opens up, as we have seen time and again a willingness from the Blue Jays front office to deal veteran relief pitchers for young talent.