Arizona Diamondbacks – Hudson not offered 2017 contract
By Mark Brown
The Arizona Diamondbacks tendered offers to 37 players
After Phil Gosselin delivered a walk-off single for an Arizona Diamondbacks victory on the final day of last season, reliever Daniel Hudson picked up the victory.
Afterward, Hudson was emotional in speaking with reporters. Because he was not sure if he had pitched in his final game wearing Sedona Red, Hudson said how much he enjoyed the experience and waxed rewarding for the time spent. After a few hugs and a few more handshakes, Hudson disappeared into the shower for the last time in the home Chase Field clubhouse.
On Friday, Hudson received official confirmation from the organization that the right-hander, who came back from two Tommy John surgeries, did not fit into their 2017 plans.
Now, Hudson is one of four players on the Arizona roster, when the Diamondbacks defeated San Diego on Oct. 2 before 31,385 in Chase Field, not to return.
Veteran outfielder Rickie Weeks, Jr. is a free agent, and on Friday, the Diamondbacks did not offer a 2017 contract to pitcher Rubby De La Rosa and catcher Welington Castillo. All four now are free agents.
In the decision to cut ties with Castillo, Chris Herrmann and Oscar Hernandez are the only two catchers, for the moment, on the 40-man roster. Rumors circulated Friday that the Diamondbacks were close to signing free agent catcher Jeff Mathis, a two-year deal worth a reported $2 million.
More from Diamondbacks News
- What is the Rule 5 Draft? How does it impact Diamondbacks?
- Former Diamondbacks SP Robbie Ray wins AL CY Young!
- Bannister the bench coach, yet another great hire by the Diamondbacks
- The king of Chase Field should be signed by the Diamondbacks
- The Goat has come to the Diamondbacks to save the day
If this happens and it seems likely with the Diamondbacks parting of Castillo, some question numbers. Mathis is 33-years-old and a former number one pick of the Angles in 2001. In a 12-year major league career, Mathis appeared 707 games, or an average of 59 games a season. Coming into the 2017 season, Mathis has a career .197 batting average and the most games played in any one season was 98 during the 2011 season. Mathis had played for three teams, including the Angels, the Blue Jays and Marlins.
By contrast, Castillo, who is 29, appeared in 113 games this past season, and reached a career-high with 68 RBIs.
On the surface, these moves appear to be financially influenced. If signed, Mathis would make a reported $1 for 2017, and according to MLB Trade Rumors, Castillo is slated to make $5.9 million.
In the case of De La Rosa, the native of the Dominican Republic appeared in 13 games, 10 as a starter and went 4-5 (4.26 ERA). After spending most of the season on the Disabled List, De La Rosa received a stem-cell injection to his right elbow just after last season. That’s was done in an effort to prevent a second, Tommy John surgery. Like Hudson, De La Rosa now is free to reach a deal with any team.
Here is the complete list of 2017 contracts tendered by the Diamondbacks
PITCHERS (18)
Anthony Banda
Jake Barrett
Silvino Bracho
Archie Bradley
Enrique Burgos
Andrew Chafin
Patrick Corbin – Arbitration eligible
Randall Delgado – Arbitration eligible
Zack Godley
Zack Greinke – Under contract
Steve Hathaway
Matt Koch
Evan Marshall
Shelby Miller – Arbitration eligible
Robbie Ray
Jimmie Sherfy
Braden Shipley
Taijuan Walker – Arbitration eligible
CATCHERS (2)
Oscar Hernandez
Chris Herrmann – Arbitration eligible
INFIELDERS (11)
Nick Ahmed
Brandon Drury
Paul Goldschmidt – Under contract
Phil Gosselin
Jake Lamb
Domingo Leyba
Dawel Lugo
Ketel Marte
Chris Owings – Arbitration eligible
Jack Reinheimer
Ildemaro Vargas
Related Story: Walker needs to adjust to Chase Field
OUTFIELDERS (6)
Socrates Brito
Jeremy Hazelbaker
Peter O’Brien
David Peralta
A.J. Pollock – Under contract
Yasmany Tomás – Under contract