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Rosenthal: Hudson near 3-year deal with Braves
"It will be a shocker if something doesn't get finished in the next three or four days," one source said.
The re-signing of Hudson could lead the Braves to trade another of their starting pitchers — most likely right-hander Javier Vazquez or right-hander Derek Lowe — for a hitter.
Vazquez, 33, is signed through next season for $11.5 million. Lowe, 36, has three years left on his deal at $15 million per season.
Hudson's contract with the Braves includes a $12 million mutual option for 2010. If he declined his end of the deal, he would become a free agent.
Hudson initially leaned toward going out on the open market, believing that only Angels right-hander John Lackey might be in higher demand.
However, he grew up in Alabama, attended Auburn and maintains strong ties to the Atlanta area. He also has enjoyed his time with the Braves, who acquired him from the A's in Dec. 2004.
The Braves, meanwhile, are confident that Hudson is sufficiently recovered from Tommy John surgery to again invest in him long-term. He is coming off a four-year, $47 million deal with the club.
Though Hudson turns 35 on July 14, he went 2-1 with a 3.61 ERA in seven starts after coming off the disabled list and rejoining the Braves on Sept. 1.
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