Blue Jays trade Daniel Hudson to Nationals, per report

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to unload their rental talent. Right-handed reliever Daniel Hudson has been dealt to the Washington Nationals, according to TSN’s Scott Mitchell. Minor-league right-hander Kyle Johnston is going to Toronto in return for Hudson, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Hudson, 32, was a fifth-round pick of the White Sox in 2008. He made his major-league debut in 2009 but was not long after traded to the Diamondbacks. He signed with the Pirates in 2016, but was traded to the Rays prior to the 2018 season. He was released by Tampa Bay prior to the start of the regular season and signed by the Dodgers to a one-year deal. In 2019, he signed with the Angels but was released, then was quickly signed with Toronto.

Through 45 games with Toronto this season (44 out of the ‘pen), he had a 3.00 ERA, allowing 18 runs on 38 hits (including five homers) in 48 innings. He struck out 48 batters and walked 23. He also picked up two saves. Hudson is a free agent at the end of this season.

Johnston, 23, was Washington’s No. 27 prospect, per MLB Pipeline’s rankings. Through 20 starts at High-A this season, he was 9-9 with a 4.03 ERA. He allowed 52 runs on 92 hits (including seven homers) in 2015 innings. The 2017 sixth-rounder has struck out 100 batters and walked 37 so far this year.

Washington doesn’t appear to be done, though. They’ve reportedly been interested in adding a left-handed reliever, too, and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic hears they are working to acquire lefty Roenis Elias from the Mariners.