St. Louis Cardinals: Be excited about Dakota Hudson

Former St. Louis Cardinals first round pick Dakota Hudson is one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory.

He sits atop the team’s MLB Pipeline prospect list at number three, and that is for good reason. Dakota Hudson has yet to see a St. Louis Cardinals uniform, unlike his prospect buddies from years past Luke Weaver and Jack Flaherty, but don’t let that deter you.

There is a chance I am the biggest Hudson advocate out there, but there is method to my madness. He has posted results that speak volumes to his ability to pitch.

Before 2018

After throwing a lot in the college season, Hudson logged only 13.1 innings across two levels, mostly in relief. Still, he allowed just a single earned run. That was just the glimpse of what the Cardinals had in their recent draft pick.

The next season, he made the jump to Double A. After 18 starts and a sub three ERA, Hudson was became a Texas League All-Star, and was named Pitcher of The Year. Soon he found himself in Triple A in just his second professional year. Though he did find some struggles the first time around, with an ERA over four in seven starts.

The 2018 Season

Things are going better the second time around for Hudson. His ERA is back below three, and his strikeout rate is the highest it’s been since his introductory year. Through 11 games, he is looking pretty good, at seems like he is only getting better.

What’s So Exciting About Hudson?

Well, his fastball can touch 97 MPH, with sink. He features a plus slider, and Hudson adds a curveball and changeup that share a grade of 50. It is true that the 23 year old is not missing many bats, but he is making the outs, and he is making a lot of them.

One of the more useful things about Hudson is that his four pitch mix makes the St. Louis Cardinals very confident in his ability to start games. But he can also be a star out of the bullpen. His fastball and slider combination give him more than enough ammo to shine in a relief role.

Next: Bullpen Move A Blessing For Dobzanski

I am definitely excited about Hudson and his future with the Cardinals. It is only a matter of time before he is called up, and I am cautiously optimistic about how he will do. First stints can be difficult, but Hudson has proved solid pitchabilty that should carry him through the adjustment period.