NewsHudson close to signing extension
Braves looking to lock up veteran with three-year deal
By Mark Bowman / MLB.com
10/28/09 7:28 PM EST
NEW YORK -- It appears that Tim Hudson could be just days away from receiving the contract extension that he's been seeking from the Braves. "It's getting pretty close," said a person familiar with the negotiations.This same source said that just a few "small details" need to be ironed out before Hudson can officially agree to the three-year extension that the Braves have offered. Financial specifics weren't provided. But it's believed that this three-year offer is worth $24-27 million. Hudson's current contract included a $12 million option for the 2010 season.
But from the time he returned from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery in September, Hudson made it known that he wasn't even thinking there was a possibility that this option would come into play. After returning from his long rehab process this year, Hudson made seven starts and went 2-1 with a 3.61 ERA. The 34-year-old right-hander allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of those seven outings.
"He looked pretty good to me," said a National League scout. "He looked like he was back to normal."
If the Braves complete this three-year extension with the 34-year-old Hudson, they will likely increase their efforts to trade Derek Lowe, who is owed $45 million over the next three years.
While it might be difficult to move Lowe, the Braves want to make every attempt to do so before thinking seriously about the possibility of moving Javier Vazquez, who will be eligible for free agency after collecting his $11.5 million salary next year.
Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
