Breaking News: White Sox Shake Up Bullpen, Trade Bryan Hudson to Mets
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, the Chicago White Sox have agreed to trade reliever Bryan Hudson to the New York Mets. This cash deal, first reported by Joel Sherman of the New York Post, opens up an intriguing opportunity for both teams.
The White Sox designated Hudson for assignment last week to create space for outfielder Austin Hays. Meanwhile, the Mets placed right-hander Reed Garrett on the 60-day IL, officially announcing these transactions.
Hudson's journey last season saw him split time between the Brewers and the White Sox. Starting with Milwaukee, he struggled with control early on, leading to a demotion to Triple-A. However, he made a brief return to the Brewers in May before being designated for assignment again. Chicago then signed him, and he appeared in four games for the team.
But here's where it gets controversial: Hudson's performance in 2024 with the Brewers was exceptional. He boasted a pristine 1.73 ERA across 62 2/3 innings, ranking second on the team with 14 holds and contributing to six wins. However, his control issues and declining velocity in 2025 raised concerns.
And this is the part most people miss: Hudson's strike rate dropped to a concerning 57.9% across 16 big-league appearances last season. His four-seamer, already on the softer side, averaged a mere 90.5 mph in 2025, and his other pitches also lost velocity. His Stuff+ rating fell from 100 to 94, indicating a significant drop in performance.
As Sherman highlights, the Mets have an opening in their bullpen for a left-handed arm, especially if A.J. Minter isn't ready for Opening Day due to his recovery from a torn lat surgery. Minter's status for the start of the season is uncertain, leaving a void that Hudson could potentially fill.
Additionally, the Mets' current bullpen projection is predominantly right-handed, with Brooks Raley as their only southpaw option for later innings. This trade could provide the Mets with much-needed left-handed relief.
On the other hand, Reed Garrett's Tommy John surgery in October means he's expected to miss the entire 2026 season. His transition to the 60-day injured list was anticipated.
So, what do you think? Is Hudson a valuable addition to the Mets' bullpen, or are his control issues and declining velocity too much of a risk? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss this intriguing trade!
