From Bullpen Breakout to DFA: Bryan Hudson’s Rollercoaster Ride from Milwaukee to the South Side
When the Brewers and Dodgers swapped left-handers Bryan Hudson and Justin Chambers back in January 2024, the move barely registered on the national radar. Hudson, after all, had just six big-league games to his name, and Chambers was a former 20th-round pick. But fast forward a few months, and Hudson was suddenly one of the most reliable arms in Milwaukee’s bullpen - until the grind of a long season caught up with him.
Let’s rewind. Hudson arrived in Milwaukee after being designated for assignment by Los Angeles, a casualty of the Dodgers’ high-profile addition of Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The Brewers saw something in the lanky lefty, and early on, that belief paid off. Hudson didn’t just find a role - he carved one out.
Over 63.1 innings, he posted a sparkling 1.73 ERA and racked up 14 holds, becoming a go-to option for high-leverage spots.
That kind of emergence doesn’t happen by accident. Hudson showcased a sharp slider and deceptive delivery that gave lefties fits.
He wasn’t overpowering, but his command and poise stood out. For a bullpen that had seen its share of turnover, Hudson was a steadying force.
But the story took a turn as the season wore on. The workload - the heaviest of his professional career - started to take a toll.
His velocity dipped, and the crispness that defined his early outings began to fade. The Brewers, in the thick of a playoff push, made the tough call to send him down late in the year.
It was a surprising move, especially for a pitcher who had been such a key piece of their bullpen puzzle. He never made it back up, and when October rolled around, Hudson was on the outside looking in.
His 2025 campaign didn’t bring the bounce-back he needed. Hudson appeared in just 12 games for Milwaukee before being designated for assignment at the trade deadline.
The Chicago White Sox gave him a shot, claiming him and keeping him on their roster through the end of the season. But even that opportunity came to an end this winter.
With the White Sox making some unexpected roster moves - including the addition of outfielder Austin Hays - Hudson was the odd man out. He’s now off the 40-man roster and back in limbo. He can still be traded or claimed, and if he clears waivers, he’ll be free to sign with any team.
It’s a tough break for a pitcher who, not long ago, looked like he was on the verge of becoming a bullpen mainstay. But baseball careers are rarely linear, especially for relievers.
Hudson’s 2024 stretch with Milwaukee showed what he’s capable of when everything clicks. Now, the question is whether another team sees that same potential - and gives him the chance to prove he’s still got more to offer.