Arizona Diamondbacks non-tender Daniel Hudson, pitcher becomes a free agent

Two years ago, Daniel Hudson was a very important part of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting rotation.

Now, he’s no longer a member of the team.

The Diamondbacks announced late Monday that they had non-tendered Hudson, making the 26-year-old an unrestricted free agent.

“I think we kind of ran out of time,” D-backs GM Kevin Towers said. “I think that we were, more than likely — and I can’t speak to the other side — but I would like to say that we were at the five-yard line or inside of that, so my hope is that we will come to a resolution here and he will be a Diamondback here in the very near future.”

A 16-game winner for the 2011 NL West champions, Hudson has been plagued by arm trouble over the last year and a half, making only nine largely-ineffictive starts in 2012 before needing Tommy John surgery. He was set to return midway through the 2013 season, but reinjured his right elbow during a rehab start and was forced to undergo a second procedure.

Towers understands there is risk in letting Hudson become a free agent, but believes the sides are close enough to come to an agreement that will keep the pitcher in Arizona, where he appears to want to be.

“Knowing how Huddy feels about the organization, about our training staff, the comfort level of knowing the type of treatment and patience this organization’s going to have with him, I feel cautiously optimistic that we’ll get something done here shortly,” Towers added.

For his part, it appears Hudson has little interest in leaving town.

My heart is still pumping Sedona Red. Not closing any books. Patience is key!

— Daniel Hudson (@DHuddy41) December 3, 2013

Hudson, who was acquired by the Diamondbacks in 2010 along with David Holmberg in exchange for Edwin Jackson, has compiled a 26-15 record with a 3.58 ERA in 53 starts for Arizona.

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