by Ken Rosenthal

Comment

Hudson's contract with the Braves includes a $12 million mutual option for 2010. If Hudson declined his end of the deal, he would be free to negotiate with any team.

Other than Angels right-hander John Lackey, the upcoming free-agent class is largely devoid of top-of-the-rotation starters.

Hudson, 34, fits that description when healthy, and he proved that he is recovered from Tommy John surgery by going 2-1 with a 3.61 ERA in seven starts after rejoining the Braves on Sept. 1.

The Braves are likely to exercise their option on Hudson, a decision that must be made within five days of the completion of the World Series.

Hudson then would be required to decide within 10 days of the completion of the Series whether he wanted to return to the team on a one-year deal.

He almost certainly would command a longer deal and a greater total guarantee on the open market.

Hudson's long period of inactivity virtually ensures that he would be a free agent without compensation. Teams could sign him without losing a top draft pick, increasing his appeal.

Lackey, by contrast, projects as a Type A free agent; any team that signs him will forfeit a top draft pick.

After Lackey, the top free-agent starters probably will be Cubs right-hander Rich Harden, Yankees lefty Andy Pettitte and Dodgers lefty Randy Wolf.

Tigers lefty Jarrod Washburn, Rockies righty Jason Marquis, Diamondbacks lefty Doug Davis and Dodgers righty Jon Garland are among the other likely free agents.

Veterans such as Phillies right-hander Pedro Martinez, Cardinals righty John Smoltz and Giants righty Brad Penny also will be back on the market.

The Braves still could build a strong, all-right-handed rotation if they lost Hudson — they control Javier Vazquez through next season, Kenshin Kawakami through 2011, Derek Lowe through '12, Jair Jurrjens through '13 and Tommy Hanson through '14.

Another option for the Braves would be to try to keep Hudson and trade another pitcher, probably Lowe. Such a move would require creativity; Lowe has three years and $45 million remaining on his contract.