Tim Hudson Is Drawing Interest From Multiple Teams, Atlanta Braves Offer One Year Deal

Oct 4, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves injured pitcher Tim Hudson in the dugout during game two of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Braves clearly want Tim Hudson back in Turner Field next season, but they are (wisely) not going to give him the $14.1 million dollar qualifying offer that catcher Brian McCann is going to receive. Instead, the Braves are likely going to offer the veteran a one year deal in the $8-10 million dollar range.

Given the number of teams that have already shown interest in Hudson, it is very possible that he will gauge the market and find the best possible deal. Huddy has previously accepted an Atlanta offer before hearing from other teams. His price is clearly going to be higher because of all of these teams, so we will find out how badly Frank Wren and the rest of the front office want to bring him back.

I’d have to agree with Ben Duronio on this, and say that while Hudson is a good pitcher, that also provides a veteran presence for a young core of pitchers, he is getting older and he’s no longer the staff ace. Per Duronio, of Talking Chop:

"With Beachy’s elbow issues, the Braves may look to have a guy like Hudson on the back end who is rather reliable. However, I do not think the Braves would be willing to get in a bidding war for a back end guy. I am sure they would love to have Hudson’s veteran presence in their rotation, but I am also sure that Wren is looking to add a top end guy as much as anything else this offseason."

As much as I love Tim Hudson, I would hate to see the Braves overpay for an older pitcher who has been piling on the injuries. It would be awesome if Huddy again takes a discount to stay in Atlanta, but at this stage in his career, I would understand the need to get as much as he can in what could be his final Major League contract.

What are your thoughts on keeping Tim Hudson around for the 2014 season, or even getting into a bidding war with other teams for him?