The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Daniel Hudson to a two-year contract. The announcement was made by Executive Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.
The 29-year-old Hudson spent the entire 2016 season with Arizona, where he went 3-2 with ve saves, a 5.22 ERA (60.1ip/35er) and 58 strikeouts in a career-high 70 appearances in his sixth season as a member of the Diamondbacks.
Hudson did not allow a run in 52 of his 70 appearances in 2016, including 21 of his nal 25 games from August 5 to October 2 when he posted a 1.66 ERA (21.2ip/4er). He also stranded a team-best 77.3 percent (17-of-22) of his inherited runners during the 2016 campaign.
Hudson began the 2016 season by recording a 1.55 ERA (29.0ip/5er) and .130 batting average against in his first 30 appearances through June 21. He also posted the best opponents batting average against (.079) among National League relievers during the month of April while his 0.77 ERA (11.2ip/1er) ranked fourth among National League relievers with at least 10.0 innings pitched.
Originally selected by the Chicago White Sox in the fth round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, Hudson was traded to Arizona on July 30, 2010. Since making his Major League debut in 2009, the righthander has posted a career record of 35-23 with nine saves, a 3.94 ERA (512.0ip/224er) and 435 strikeouts in 199 appearances (59 starts) between the White Sox (2009-10) and Arizona (2010-16).
To make room for Hudson on the 40-man roster, the Pirates have designated right-handed pitcher Brady Dragmire for assignment.