Could Bryan Hudson Be The Next Starter Steal For The Brewers?

[Harold Hutchison]

The 2024 Brewers featured two “steals” who became mainstays in their starting rotation in Colin Rea and Tobias Myers. Could Bryan Hudson be the next one?

Image courtesy of © Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Colin Rea and Tobias Myers helped propel the 2024 Brewers to their first back-to-back division titles. Myers led the team’s starters in ERA, while Rea led the team with 12 wins. Rea was allowed to leave as a free agent, but the Brewers might have a replacement for him in Hudson if they choose to use him in the rotation.

A Minor Transaction with Big Results
The Brewers acquired Bryan Hudson from the Dodgers in exchange for 2023 20th-round pick Justin Chambers. He quickly became a bullpen mainstay, getting five outs or more in 20 of his 43 appearances with the Crew. After a rough July, he rebounded in August and September but was sent to Triple-A Nashville on an unofficial rehab assignment late in the season.

The interesting thing about Hudson’s August “rebound” was that he did it in a manner that was very different from his first-half success. In the first half, he overpowered hitters with his stuff and insane control (51 strikeouts to eight walks in 44 innings from Opening Day through June). In August, he still went 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA despite only striking out six batters in ten innings, but he only allowed two walks.

In other words, in 2024, Hudson was two very different forms of a good pitcher. First-half Hudson succeeded by racking up a lot of strikeouts. Second-half Hudson was a pitcher who got outs through inducing bad contact. In 2024, he increased his weak contact rates from his brief appearances in 2023, but most important for Hudson was cutting his “flare/burner” rate by just under 40%.

Hudson’s Arsenal
According to Baseball Savant, Hudson uses a four-seam fastball that comes in at 91.3 miles per hour – slightly below average velocity for a lefty. He combines it with an 86-mile-per-hour cutter (also with slightly below-average velocity) and an 81.5-mile-per-hour sweeper that offers slightly above-average velocity compared to other southpaws’ sweepers.

The sweeper has been his best when it comes to racking up whiffs (35.2% whiff percentage) and putting hitters away (26.4%) – but much of Hudson’s success has been that when hitters make contact, it’s rarely good. Only 10 of 148 batted balls events were “barreled,” while he tripled his pop-up percentage from 2023 to 2024.

Starting in July, though, his sweeper use declined. From March through June, his average sweeper use was 26.2%, but it dropped to 15.8%.

Can He Stretch Out?
This becomes the big question. With three pitches, Hudson’s arsenal is marginal for a starter. That said, an adjustment to the pitch mix may be the answer. His sweeper induces a lot of whiffs, while his cutter was most likely to get clobbered (four of the seven home runs he allowed came from cutters).

That said, in August, he appeared to gain a feel for the cutter, going from allowing a .600 batting average off the cutter in July to a .200 batting average, with the slugging percentage allowed becoming a more drastic drop from 1.800 in July to .500 in August. Could a 40-30-30 mix turn Hudson into a left-handed Colin Rea? 

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Hudson has already been a great acquisition for Matt Arnold. But if he becomes a starter in the mold of Colin Rea, he might just be a big-time steal for the Brewers.

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[Ro Mueller]

I’m just hoping he’s healthy after only facing 7 MLB batters in Sep/Oct.

I’m also still surprised we burned his 2nd option year.

[Brian]

I don't see him going from averaging less than 2 innings per appearance in 2024 to being a starter with a history of arm ailments, one of the being Tommy John surgery. 

[brewmann04]

Hopefully he can return to the pen. I hope they do have someone to come in and help the rotation like last season 

[BrewerFan]

9 hours ago, Brian said:

I don't see him going from averaging less than 2 innings per appearance in 2024 to being a starter with a history of arm ailments, one of the being Tommy John surgery. 

I don't know that it's better for your arm to get up and down and throw back to back days in the pen vs a scheduled start with 4-5 days of rest...

I just don't know where this is coming from. Has anyone suggested he may be to the rotation from the Brewers?

Not real worried about the fatigue from last year. They ued him a lot. I don't remember or know when he had TJ. You have a time frame for that?

 

[Brian]

5 hours ago, BrewerFan said:

I don't know that it's better for your arm to get up and down and throw back to back days in the pen vs a scheduled start with 4-5 days of rest...

I just don't know where this is coming from. Has anyone suggested he may be to the rotation from the Brewers?

Not real worried about the fatigue from last year. They ued him a lot. I don't remember or know when he had TJ. You have a time frame for that?

 

I think you maybe right TJ surgery.  But I did find this from a year ago when we first got him. 

https://brewerfanatic.com/news-rumors/milwaukee-brewers/bryan-hudson-bullpen-candidate-extension-velocity-spring-training-interview/

 

[SandyTolan]

I'm curious:   Is there any evidence the Brewers are considering this, or is this pure speculation? If the Brewers had indicated they're stretching Hudson out, that would be more interesting. But I don't get that impression.  Maybe I missed something, though?

[Outlander]

Hudson has not been a starter since 2019, his starts in 2023 were openers. Speculation from Clancy.

[BrewerFan]

7 hours ago, Brian said:

I think you maybe right TJ surgery.  But I did find this from a year ago when we first got him. 

https://brewerfanatic.com/news-rumors/milwaukee-brewers/bryan-hudson-bullpen-candidate-extension-velocity-spring-training-interview/

 

Yeah, it looked like it was probably during Covid if at all, but...I just don't see the point in changing things up with him either way.

Maybe if you have bad luck and you want to start stretching him out and having him go 3-4 innings once a week later in the year, fine, but I'd love to see him just get back to where he was last year coming in that huge role for us.

[jesusoftheapes]

I said this so many times last season and people literally chewed me out for even speaking the idea of starting Hudson.  From my view I think Hudson looks like a starting pitcher and has from the moment he stepped onto a Brewers mound.  He has starting stuff and he has so many ways to use his pitches that a single inning is never enough for him to really work through his toolbox and get the most out of his tools.         Hudson did have a start or two as a Dodger I believe but they would not be called magic moments in his career.    So my idea of Hudson as a starter is not as far fetched as I was lead to believe by the internet who all screamed "NO" to me all at the same time!   Amazing how one years time changes perceptions.    I stand by it too.   Hudson belongs in a starting role if he is able to handle the load. 

 Maybe Hudson is pitching his guts out so hard each inning that stretching him out would be a mistake .   These are questions that cannot be answered unless they try it.     

If sending him to AAA last season was a long term plan to make him into a starter then I am fully onboard.   If Hudson works as a starter and brings his best game to that venue I think the Brewers stole a real  gem from the Dodgers in that get.      I like Hudson as an Reliever too so it makes it hard for me to really call it one way or another but the truth be told the value of Hudson in a rotational role is so much greater than in a long relief role in the pen right now.     The pen has room and young arms pushing into the works .    The Brewers 2026 pitching rotation is decimated .   3 of the 2025 starting rotation names will be elsewhere including Freddy so the time to start to see what is needed to handle that drop in proven production needs to be established this season.     Hudson as a starter would sure help that transition not hurt so bad.    Plus it makes for something fun to ponder this Spring. 

[jesusoftheapes]

11 hours ago, Outlander said:

Hudson has not been a starter since 2019, his starts in 2023 were openers. Speculation from Clancy.

I like the idea and I like him as a starter. I think the Brewers could make him into a really nice rotational pitcher unlike any other spot he would be in.   If they can get starting work from Hudson they should.  He has so much more to offer with more innings.  The way he works batters is built for multiple innings way more than bullpen work.     With the 2026 pitching situation in question trying to get starting work from Hudson would be a bold and worthy attempt to get the most out of this young Star.    

 

Never doubt what Hook can accomplish .      If they see starter they you will see them at least try it out.   If he cannot do it so be it.   Moving  him back to the bullpen is not a tragedy.       I really want to see what he can do as starting pitcher.    I do not think it is that crazy of a reach for this to be realized either and I like where this author's head is at.       

Baseballs more fun when Hudson and Myers turn out to be starting pitchers here and we see them through to a Freddy type send off .  Think big and dream bigger my friend.    I like the idea and it is in no way crazy to think this could be a real possibility.    

[jesusoftheapes]

On 2/16/2025 at 12:41 PM, Brian said:

I don't see him going from averaging less than 2 innings per appearance in 2024 to being a starter with a history of arm ailments, one of the being Tommy John surgery. 

Every third pitcher in baseball has had a Tommy these day and starting is not easier or harder on the arm than is bullpen pitching.  Some guys need the days off between outings more.      I do not see anything from his past nor the 2024 end to how things were going as proof his arm was giving out.    The reports of his velo being way down are grossly over reported.        I like Hudson as a starter more than a bullpen arm.    I would love to see what it looked like in truth. 

[Outlander]

They better send him to the minor from the get go then, this is his last option year so will have to be a major leaguer full time in 2026 if he is going to be a Brewer. Still no evidence to suggest this has been discussed by the Brewers, may not even be on anybody elses radar, maybe Jack Stern can follow up since he works for this site.

[SandyTolan]

15 hours ago, jesusoftheapes said:

I said this so many times last season and people literally chewed me out for even speaking the idea of starting Hudson.  From my view I think Hudson looks like a starting pitcher and has from the moment he stepped onto a Brewers mound.  He has starting stuff and he has so many ways to use his pitches that a single inning is never enough for him to really work through his toolbox and get the most out of his tools.         Hudson did have a start or two as a Dodger I believe but they would not be called magic moments in his career.    So my idea of Hudson as a starter is not as far fetched as I was lead to believe by the internet who all screamed "NO" to me all at the same time!   Amazing how one years time changes perceptions.    I stand by it too.   Hudson belongs in a starting role if he is able to handle the load. 

 Maybe Hudson is pitching his guts out so hard each inning that stretching him out would be a mistake .   These are questions that cannot be answered unless they try it.     

If sending him to AAA last season was a long term plan to make him into a starter then I am fully onboard.   If Hudson works as a starter and brings his best game to that venue I think the Brewers stole a real  gem from the Dodgers in that get.      I like Hudson as an Reliever too so it makes it hard for me to really call it one way or another but the truth be told the value of Hudson in a rotational role is so much greater than in a long relief role in the pen right now.     The pen has room and young arms pushing into the works .    The Brewers 2026 pitching rotation is decimated .   3 of the 2025 starting rotation names will be elsewhere including Freddy so the time to start to see what is needed to handle that drop in proven production needs to be established this season.     Hudson as a starter would sure help that transition not hurt so bad.    Plus it makes for something fun to ponder this Spring. 

Don't think they were thinking starter when they sent him down last year.  It was because his velo dropped way down.  Anyway, in 8 appearances at Nashville in 2024, he had only 8 2/3 IP, so I don't think starting was on anyone's mind...

[tmwiese55]

Doubt this is on the radar right now. I'd assume they just hope to get him back to what he was before he got hurt last year as a great 1-2 inning guy they can rely on in the middle innings. 

And if he's doing well at that I don't see why you'd send him down to stretch out, taking him out off the MLB team where he's needed.  So if this were to happen I think it would come how Bryse Wilson became a starter. injuries cause need for a fill in and then it just keeps going until you can do 5-7 innings.  With the increase in starter depth this year I'd be surprised if its needed though.

[jesusoftheapes]

1 hour ago, SandyTolan said:

Don't think they were thinking starter when they sent him down last year.  It was because his velo dropped way down.  Anyway, in 8 appearances at Nashville in 2024, he had only 8 2/3 IP, so I don't think starting was on anyone's mind...

I just do not believe that.  I believe that Starting has always been on the table for Hudson.   Him working on 2 new pitches this offseason is not typical bullpen work.     I know Hudson WELL and way back in 2017 Hudson was pitching for a minor league club that I got to watch in living color .  Hudson was a starter back then and even then I saw him as a future Star even without that massive pitch release extension he developed after this. 

 .  I thought they had a guy then .  A lot happened in between then and now with Hudson and he has become every bit the quality pitcher I watched play live for low A all the way back then . (Living by a low A team means watchin low A baseball a lot!  If you all out there live near a Low A club visit the games often ! You never know when Bryan Hudson shows up and then ends up playing for the Brewers someday. )

I know Bryan Hudson always wanted to be a starting MLB pitcher.   I also know the Brewers are great at developing pitchers into the players they want to be.   If Hudson still sees himself as an MLB starter I say let him!  I know he wanted it bad in 2017 .  I highly doubt that want left Hudson because he was stitched into a Bullpen role while he grew up in baseball.       

 

In a hypothetical world where Hudson gets his shot at starting  I hold nothing but support for this .    I love Hudson and think his entire toolbox is built for Starting work and does not fit the bullpen as well.     Everyone who says they are so sure he cannot be a starter have a very high opinions of their opinions.      If he can do It let him. It is that simple to me.  His entire arsenal is developed for starting pitching work.    He has more than 3 pitches even if he only uses 3 by design in a bullpen role.           So why be so sure this is not a thing that can happen?  He never failed as a starter he only had setbacks in his career that shoestrung him into that role.   So now that he is over those long past issues in his career why not let see what he can do in a starting role?   I do not understand the pushback by people.   It seems those who are so sure Hudson cannot start have formed that opinion off the previous situations Hudson found himself in and not because they actually watch him play outside of the past 2024 season with the Brewers.   Hudson can most definitely start as a pitcher.   How good it would look is up to the Gods and I personally want to see what it looks like and everyone else here should to!     If the Brewers can unleash him as a starter as he has always wanted from his career what is the problem with that thinking?      If he sucks as a starter bringing him back to a bullpen role is as easy as flipping a switch.         

Also this reporting of Hudson losing his velo is an Story for the papers and nothing more and could be called an excuse after the fact because it is not honest.    The Brewers needed a story to justify sending a sub 2 ERA pitcher who was great all season long to AAA so they could call up Aaron Ashby for the playoff run.    It had almost nothing to do with Hudson having Velo problems in truth but that is what reporting has devolved into in Spring Training 2025.    Hudson had his last MLB game in 24' against the Reds on the 30th of August and you can watch his velocity in that game carry the exact same juice it did early in 24'.         So no I do not believe the Brewers actually believed he lost his arm.   He did not!  Had this been the actual truth there it would have made much more sense to put him on the IL for arm fatigue injury and NOT waste an Option.     Bryan Hudson was sent down to the Minors for a reason the Brewers did not openly admit and they came up with the "we want him to work on things" excuse for the move.      His 2024 was in stone as a reliever .  So him in the minors would have been best served as a bullpen player in Nashville to finish out that season.      That does not mean there is not a greater plan in place for Hudson down there that does have to do with making him into a starter and we will all simply have to wait and see .   You do not know they won't try him there.   You only believe that to be true and in that you should not be so closed minded to the idea or any other idea that comes up in Spring Training .      Even if you do not see it just be a bit more open to the ideas that people put to pen.       Telling someone that their ideas are bad ideas on your opinion is a way to make enemies and we do not need that!   WE Crew need to come together and drive up belief and that comes from supporting one another through this team .    So do not be so sure to shoot things down in the face of someone's good work .    This author took the time to pose a question and that should be the debate.   Just because those who sees something in Hudson you do not does not make them wrong nor does it make for bad conversation unless that topic is shot down by others insurity.   If you were not so sure of yourself you might have more fun with the 'what ifs' of baseball .   I say have an open mind and enjoy this team while it is here.   GO BREWERS my friend.  

[sveumrules]

18 hours ago, jesusoftheapes said:

If sending him to AAA last season was a long term plan to make him into a starter then I am fully onboard. 

All eight of Hudson's appearances in AAA last year came out of the bullpen and he never faced more than six batters in an outing.

It does not appear that sending him to AAA last season was a long term plan to make him into a starter.