Steve Webb
NEW YORK — Baseball tends to eat up and spit out relief pitchers. It’s rare to see anyone put together a career with a lot of longevity out of the pen. But Daniel Hudson bucked those odds. After 15 remarkable seasons, the Dodgers relief pitcher is officially closing the book on an MLB career filled with grit, resilience, and triumph. Hudson, who celebrated the Dodgers’ exhilarating 7-6 World Series win over the Yankees on Wednesday night in New York, confirmed his retirement in the ultimate way — on top, just as he had hoped.
“This was the only reason I came back — to go out on top,” Hudson told the Orange County Register. “And that’s what’s happening.” True to his word, the 37-year-old walked away as a champion once again, this time adding another World Series ring to his list of achievements.
Returning to the team on a Minor League deal this year, Hudson’s 2024 season saw him pitch 63 innings with a 3.00 ERA, a major factor in L.A.’s success. His postseason performance was no less impressive; Hudson allowed only one earned run in his first six outings, playing a critical role in bringing another championship to Los Angeles. Perhaps the best moment came in the soon-to-be-legendary bullpen game in San Diego during the NLDS, where Hudson threw a shutdown inning in the seventh, right after the Dodgers had scored three to take control of the game (and the series). And, during the regular season, there was a stretch in May, June, and July that Hudson was perhaps the best pitcher coming out of the pen. His 10 saves this year was second only to Evan Phillips‘ 18. He finished 2024 with a 3.00 ERA over 63 innings, combined with 63 strikeouts and a nifty 1.03 WHIP.
Hudson’s career spans seven Major League teams, but he spent the most time with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2010 to 2016. Originally a starter, he transitioned to the bullpen and went on to become a linchpin in the Nationals’ 2019 World Series run, closing out the series to secure Washington’s first title. Dodgers fans, however, will remember Hudson not just as a steady and reliable arm, but as a leader who brought his all to L.A. every time he took the mound.
His legacy doesn’t end with his two World Series rings. Despite enduring Tommy John surgeries in both 2012 and 2013, Hudson amassed an impressive 65-45 record with a career ERA of 3.74. He even earned a Silver Slugger Award in 2011, back when he was still pitching as a starter.
As we say goodbye to Daniel Hudson, Dodgers fans everywhere can celebrate his contributions to the game and his championship-winning final chapter in L.A. Thank you, Huddy, for going out on top and for all the unforgettable moments along the way.
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