A Surprising Roster Move: The White Sox Trade Bryan Hudson to the Mets!
Get ready for some baseball news that might have you doing a double-take! The Chicago White Sox have made a significant move, trading their left-handed reliever, Bryan Hudson, to the New York Mets. This isn't just any trade; it's a cash deal, meaning the White Sox are receiving money rather than a player in return. This move comes hot on the heels of the White Sox designating Hudson for assignment just last week to make room for outfielder Austin Hays. Meanwhile, the Mets have simultaneously placed right-handed pitcher Reed Garrett on the 60-day injured list, a corresponding move that signals a shift in their bullpen.
But here's where it gets interesting... Hudson's journey to the Mets is a bit of a rollercoaster. Last season, he split his time between the Milwaukee Brewers and the White Sox. He actually started the year with the Brewers, but things didn't quite click. He struggled with his control, walking 9 batters in just 8 2/3 innings in the first month. This led to a demotion to Triple-A, and though he made one more appearance with Milwaukee in May, the Brewers eventually designated him for assignment in July. That's when the White Sox scooped him up, giving him a chance to pitch in four games for them.
Now, let's rewind a bit. Before his struggles, Hudson was actually a key contributor to a Brewers bullpen that boasted the best ERA in the National League in 2024. He posted an impressive 1.73 ERA over 62 2/3 innings, finishing second on the team with 14 holds and even notching six wins. It seemed like he had established himself as a reliable arm. However, some of his underlying numbers, like a low .148 BABIP (Batting Average on Balls In Play) and a very high 94.2% left on base rate, hinted that some regression might be on the horizon.
And this is the part most people miss... The biggest hurdle for Hudson last season, and perhaps a reason for his struggles, was his finding the strike zone. Across 16 big-league appearances, he only managed a 57.9% strike rate. His pitching arsenal also seemed to lose some of its bite. His fastball, which wasn't the hardest to begin with, averaged a mere 90.5 mph in 2025. Even his sweeper and cutter saw a dip in velocity. His overall pitching effectiveness, measured by Stuff+, dropped from 100 to 94 this past year.
So, why would the Mets be interested in Hudson? Well, as reports suggest, there's a potential opening in the Mets' bullpen for a left-handed pitcher, especially if A.J. Minter isn't ready for Opening Day. Minter is currently recovering from surgery to repair a torn lat, and his availability for the start of the season is uncertain. While the Mets have Brooks Raley as another lefty option for later innings, the rest of their projected bullpen is filled with right-handed arms. This makes Hudson a potentially valuable addition, provided he can regain his previous form.
As for Reed Garrett, his move to the 60-day injured list is no surprise. He underwent Tommy John surgery back in October and is expected to miss the entire 2026 season. This move simply frees up a roster spot for the Mets.
This trade certainly raises some questions. Do you think the Mets are making a smart gamble on Bryan Hudson's potential, or is this a move that could backfire? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
