With a significant amount of space before they hit the luxury tax level and a need at several positions on their roster, the Los Angeles Dodgers want to be among the more active clubs this offseason

The seven Dodgers with guaranteed contracts for the 2024 season are Austin Barnes, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Tony Gonsolin, Miguel Rojas, Chris Taylor, and Max Muncy. This is one of the lowest contract counts in MLB. During the postseason, Andrew Friedman, the president of baseball operations, saw his starting rotation struggle, primarily due to a spate of injuries that caused the team to use prized prospects.

However, the Dodgers’ bullpen proved to be a strength after duties were clarified. Regretfully, Daniel Hudson was one of those who had a season-ending MCL sprain in his right knee, which prevented him from playing later on.

According to Juan Toribio of MLB.com, the Dodgers possessed a $6.5 million team option on Hudson for 2024, which they refused and declared him a free agent.

Unlike Lance Lynn, Hudson’s contract had no buyout in its final year.

Unfortunately for Hudson and the Dodgers, a series of injuries cut short his extremely impressive time on the field. After returning this season, he went down with an MCL sprain in his right knee after suffering an ACL tear in his left knee in 2022.

The thirteen-year veteran pitched for the Dodgers for the last time on July 5. Towards the end of the regular season, there was a glimmer of hope that he might make an impact in the major leagues. Sadly, that strategy was never carried out, and after playing just 27.1 innings in the previous two seasons, Hudson is now eligible to enter free agency.

Could Daniel Hudson sign with the Dodgers again?

Hudson threw 73.1 innings in 68 games over the course of three seasons with the Dodgers, compiling a 5-5 record, six saves, a 3.31 ERA, a 3.54 FIP, and a 1.13 WHIP.

Given the uncertainties surrounding his health, the Dodgers weren’t inclined to give Hudson the $6.5 million salary for the upcoming season, but they could offer him a new one-year contract with significant incentives.

In his final appearance for the franchise, Hudson made a heroic save against the Pittsburgh Pirates, loading the bases with no one out and getting away with it without giving up a run.