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Five Trade Deadline Targets For The Pittsburgh Pirates

By Marty Leap

Aug 18, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington reacts while watching batting practice before the Pirates host the Atlanta Braves at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington reacts while watching batting practice before the Pirates host the Atlanta Braves at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 21, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Daniel Hudson (41) throws a pitch during the ninth inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Arizona Diamondbacks won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Daniel Hudson (41) throws a pitch during the ninth inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Arizona Diamondbacks won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Right-handed reliever Daniel Hudson

Arizona Diamondbacks’ right-handed pitcher Daniel Hudson is a player I have been intrigued by for quite awhile. In fact, when Hudson was a free agent after the 2012 season I wanted the Pittsburgh Pirates to sign him. However, he would resign with Arizona.

In 33 innings pitched this season Daniel Hudson has struggled some, but his peripherals indicate he is due for some good regression. After posting a 3.86 ERA last season, Hudson has watched his ERA balloon to 4.91 this year. However, Hudson’s 3.27 BB/9 and 0.55 HR/9 are both better numbers than he averaged last season.

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Furthermore, Daniel Hudson’s 3.81 FIP indicates that he has pitched better than his 4.91 ERA. With relievers ERA can become skewed very easily as their outings are typically short, and sometimes few and far between as well. So ERA is usually not the best stat when evaluating relief pitchers.

Another encouraging sign with Hudson is his fastball velocity. This season, Hudson’s fastball is averaging 95.4 miles per hour which is higher than his career average of 93.4 miles per hour. Hudson also throws a plus slider that opposing batters are hitting just .217 off of this season.

While the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen has been better of late, they could still use another middle reliever. Daniel Hudson fits that bill and would be a good fit in the Pirate bullpen. And, make no mistake about it, he is definitely available on the trade market. Especially after the Diamondbacks just traded another reliever, Brad Ziegler, to the Red Sox last week.

Daniel Hudson would fill the role of a much needed middle relief arm that the Pittsburgh Pirates have. Hudson should be able to do a good job of helping to bridge the gap from the starting pitcher to Neftali Feliz, Tony Watson, and Mark Melancon at the back of the Pirates’ bullpen.

Next: A Left-Handed Starting Pitcher

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