Tim Hudson offered contract by Kansas City Royals last winter

This past winter Tim Hudson entered the free agent market as a 38 year old veteran with a wealth of experience. It was no surprise to see him draw interest on the open market from multiple teams, before ultimately signing with the San Francisco Giants on a two year, $23 million deal. The decision has paid dividends, both for Hudson and team.

Hudson will take the mound for the Giants to start Game 3 of the World Series on Friday night. He’ll face off against a Kansas City Royals team that he may have actually came close to joining.

There’s no real way to know exactly what the Royals may have offered Hudson last winter but they did make what appears to have been a competitive effort, according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.

Of course, it’s unclear what may have swayed his decision towards San Francisco. It may have been the money. It may have been a pre-existing familiarity to the Bay Area, after beginning his career with the Oakland A’s. It may have been other factors. Either way, the two teams have met at the season’s most critical point and Hudson will certainly play a vital role.

Hudson made 31 starts for the Giants this season, going 9-13 with a 3.57 ERA and 1.231 WHIP. He made one start against the Royals, allowing three runs on six hits over 6.0 innings of work in a 5-0 Giants loss.