The Chicago White Sox didn't waste any time addressing their bullpen woes after a rocky Opening Day. The relief squad's struggles, marked by eight walks and 10 runs allowed, prompted the team to bring back a familiar face: left-hander Bryan Hudson, claimed off waivers from the New York Mets.
Hudson's journey with the White Sox is a bit of a rollercoaster. He first joined the team last August after being claimed from the Milwaukee Brewers.
His initial promotion was short-lived, with a quick return to Triple-A Charlotte. Another call-up in September was cut short by a lower back strain.
The offseason saw Hudson designated for assignment to clear space for Austin Hays, followed by a trade to the Mets. But fate has brought him back to Chicago after being DFA’d once again by New York.
Last season, Hudson logged 15 innings in the majors across 16 appearances, recording a 4.80 ERA with 19 strikeouts and 13 walks. While those numbers might not jump off the page, Hudson's potential is intriguing. In 2024, he delivered a standout performance for the Brewers, pitching 61.1 innings with a stellar 1.73 ERA and holding opponents to a .195 expected batting average, placing him among the league's elite.
Hudson's minor league stats are equally promising, with an impressive 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings in Triple-A. While he doesn't possess overwhelming velocity-his fastball averages 90 mph-his 80 mph sweeper is a weapon, boasting over 45 inches of vertical drop.
Despite a tough Spring Training with the Mets, where he allowed six earned runs in just over three innings, the White Sox see something in Hudson worth investing in. His unique skill set and past flashes of brilliance suggest he could be a valuable asset as the team seeks stability in their bullpen.