The Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday made their first signing of the off-season for the Major League roster in agreeing to terms on a 2 year, $11 million contract with 26 year old reliever Daniel Hudson.

In 70 appearances this year, Hudson had a 5.22 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and has nine saves over the last two seasons to go with 37 holds. But, what the Pirates love about Hudson is an 8.77 K/9 with a fastball that averaged 95.7 mph.

Neal Huntington is not a huge fan in putting dollars into the bullpen but what he values is cost certainty and pitchers who can bring the heat. The Pirates get that with the Hudson deal for 2017 and 2018.

The Hudson contract now has the Pirates 40-man payroll projected at $94-$95 million for next season which is nearing the max where Bob Nutting allows Neal Huntington to have it for the start of the 2017 season.

Sources say Huntington’s budget is again in the mid-90’s and has the Pirates actively trying to move a salary in the bullpen to open up some breathing room to add a starting pitcher.

Pittsburgh has been aggressively trying to move Antonio Bastardo’s $6.5 million salary and the team is prepared to move one of Bastardo and closer To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

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