FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal is reporting that Braves starter Tim Hudson may opt out of his contract and become a free agent. The Braves have a 12 million dollar mutual option, but he would be one of the most coveted free agents on the market if he chose to opt out.
Hudson only made seven starts for the Braves this season, but looked sharp posting a 3.61 ERA and a 30/13 K/BB.
Even though the free agent market for starters is weak, it is hard to believe anyone will pay him more than what he is set to earn in 2010. He won't be a Type-A or B free agent, which should increase his value, but the economy will certainly bring down prices.
Hudson walking does solve the Braves' concern of moving a pitcher this offseason. The Braves hoped to free up cash to pursue a corner outfielder by moving Derek Lowe or Javier Vazquez, but Hudson opting out puts an end to that speculation.