4 years agoWashington Nationals relief pitcher Daniel Hudson is expected to start the season in the mix for saves in Washington. However, it remains to be seen if he stays in that role for long. The Nationals signing of Brad Hand allows them to utilize the lefty/righty combination for matchups, limiting Hudson's save potential. Hudson didn't make his 2020 debut until last July, yet still led the team with 10 saves despite putting up a 6.10 ERA over 20 2/3 innings (21 appearances). Hudson also had a 4.01 SIERA and 5.13 xFIP and was punished by a career-high 21.4% HR/FB rate. The problem for Hudson was that he also allowed his highest fly-ball rate (57.1%) since his 2009 debut season. Of the 14 earned runs Hudson gave up last year, nine of them came against the Braves in four outings (3 2/3 innings), and although he had a 2.65 ERA against all other teams, the National League East opponents he'll be facing all look better on paper as they did in 2020. While Hudson did improve his strikeout rate to a career-high 30.4% last year, which led to 28 strikeouts, his walk rate ballooned to 12.0%. Those walks will lead to even bigger problems if he can't cut down on the number of fly balls he allows. Hudson has an ADP of 388, and other than a late-round speculative dart throw for saves, Hudson offers little fantasy value.--Jamie Steed - RotoBaller