Abandoned NY Mets trade acquisition goes back to the White Sox after roster cut

Bryan Hudson had a serious shot at making the New York Mets Opening Day roster. Unfortunately for him, a terrible spring has him heading away from a chance to win a World Series and back to the hole they pulled him out from.

Hudson was DFA’d by the Mets right before Opening Day and landed back on the waiver wire where the Chicago White Sox reclaimed him.

His 6 earned runs in 3.1 innings of work this spring was enough for the Mets to go out and reunite with another lefty they already knew, Richard Lovelady. Lovelady made the Mets roster out of camp. Hudson returns to the same team who DFA’d him before the Mets decided to try and rediscover what made him so awesome in 2024.

A no-risk Mets trade is now all but forgotten

Lovelady’s roster spot remains in question and nothing more than a temporary hold until A.J. Minter comes back. The Mets made the choice to carry a second lefty on their roster rather than award a player like Craig Kimbrel with a chance to break camp due to his experience. He didn’t have an awesome spring either. Perhaps because he was willing to stay within the organization they weren’t so pressured to carry him up to New York to begin the year.

The Mets depth chart isn’t all that great when it comes to lefty relievers. Brandon Waddell did well last year, but he’s also a longman. Matt Turner had a really good spring. He’s someone to watch. There’s also Nate Lavender who came back to the Mets from the Tampa Bay Rays. The Mets lost him via Rule 5 Draft. After missing all of last year due to Tommy John surgery, he’ll have a chance to prove health and ability in the minors.

The “do we actually need a second lefty?” debate had a curveball thrown the way of the Mets with Sean Manaea getting demoted to the bullpen to begin the year. Although likely to serve in a piggyback role, the Mets shouldn’t overlook the opportunity to ask him to get them the occasional big out or two in high-leverage spots. With Tobias Myers around, they have enough innings elsewhere they can get. Huascar Brazoban is also capable of giving you length, too.

Hudson would have been nice to pass through waivers and stash in the minors. However, no one is going to cry over his quick departure. The biggest loser is Steve Cohen who paid cash considerations to acquire Hudson. At the price Hudson cost, it’s probably one less pullover he can buy.