Dakota Hudson Signs Minor League Deal with Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have reached an agreement with right-handed pitcher Dakota Hudson on a minor league deal, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. Hudson is expected to receive an invite to big league spring training as part of the deal.


Hudson, 30, is coming off a challenging season with the Colorado Rockies. He signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract but struggled to deliver on the field. Over 18 starts and 89 innings, Hudson posted a 6.17 ERA, with a strikeout rate of just 12.1% and a walk rate of 12.4%. Despite his typically strong ground ball rate of 52.3%, it wasn't enough to secure his spot in the Rockies' injury-riddled rotation.


In July, Hudson was designated for assignment and passed through waivers unclaimed. He was later reinstated to the roster in August but soon landed on the injured list due to elbow inflammation, ending his season. He was outrighted off the roster in October and opted for free agency.


Hudson once showed promise as a rotation option for the St. Louis Cardinals. During the 2019 and 2020 seasons, he recorded a 3.24 ERA over 213 2/3 innings, with an 18.4% strikeout rate, an 11.1% walk rate, and a 56.9% ground ball rate. However, Tommy John surgery in 2021 derailed his progress, and he has struggled to regain his form since. In the 2022-23 seasons, Hudson's ERA rose to 4.64 over 221 innings, with his strikeout rate dropping to 12.9% and his ground ball rate slipping to 52.5%.


The Angels are hoping that Hudson can bounce back and provide valuable depth to their pitching staff. As he works to regain his pre-surgery form, Hudson's experience and potential make him an intriguing addition to the Angels' roster.