
The Chicago White Sox have traded left-handed reliever Bryan Hudson to the New York Mets in a cash transaction, first reported by Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The Mets later confirmed the move, along with a corresponding roster adjustment.
Chicago designated Hudson for assignment last week to clear space for outfielder Austin Hays. To make room on their end, New York placed right-hander Reed Garrett on the 60-day injured list. Garrett underwent Tommy John surgery in October and is expected to miss the entire 2026 season.
Hudson split last season between the Milwaukee Brewers and the White Sox. He opened the year in Milwaukee’s bullpen but struggled with command early, issuing nine walks in just 8 2/3 innings. That stretch led to a demotion to Triple-A, followed by a brief return in May. Milwaukee ultimately designated the 28-year-old for assignment in July, after which Chicago claimed him. Hudson appeared in four games for the White Sox.
Despite his uneven 2025 campaign, Hudson’s recent track record provides upside. He was a key contributor to Milwaukee’s bullpen during its dominant 2024 season, when the unit led the National League in ERA. Hudson posted a 1.73 ERA across 62 2/3 innings, finished second on the team with 14 holds, and recorded six wins. While advanced metrics suggested regression—most notably a .148 BABIP and a 94.2 percent left-on-base rate—he established himself as a reliable late-inning option.
Last season, however, control issues resurfaced. Hudson logged a 57.9 percent strike rate across 16 major league appearances, while his velocity dipped across his arsenal. His four-seam fastball averaged 90.5 mph, and both his sweeper and cutter lost effectiveness. Those trends were reflected in his Stuff+ rating, which fell from 100 to 94.
For New York, the move addresses a potential need in the bullpen. As Sherman noted, the Mets may require another left-handed reliever if A.J. Minter is not ready for Opening Day while recovering from surgery to repair a torn lat. Brooks Raley currently stands as the primary southpaw option, with most of the projected bullpen leaning right-handed.
The trade gives the Mets a low-cost opportunity to evaluate Hudson’s rebound potential, while the White Sox continue reshaping their roster ahead of the season.