“This was the only reason I came back: to get to the top,” Hudson said. “And that’s what’s happening.”
Hudson is the second Dodgers veteran to announce his retirement after the 2024 season, announcing his final retirement this year in July before outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, who is not on Los Angeles’ World Series roster, was traded to the Dodgers. He said it will be the year of the year.
Hudson, who appeared in 25 games for the Dodgers in 2022 but only three in 2023, signed a minor league contract to return to the club. He wanted another World Series title, the second of his career, and he got just that.
The 37-year-old right-hander also played a key role, pitching 63 innings during the regular season and posting a 3.00 ERA. Hudson allowed only one earned run in his first six postseason games, but gave up four runs in one inning in Game 4 of the World Series.
Hudson pitched for seven major league teams, spending the most time with the D-backs (2010-16). He started his career as a starter, but transitioned to the bullpen and ultimately played a key role in the Nationals’ 2019 World Series victory over the Astros.
Hudson, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2012 and 2013, finished his 15-year MLB career with a 65-45 record, the 2011 National League Silver Slugger Award and a career ERA of 3.74. And of course, there’s another World Series ring.
