As expected starting pitcher Tim Hudson has signed a 3 year, $28 million contract to stay home in Atlanta.  He had $12 million player option ot stay in Atlanta for 2010, but decided to sign a longer term deal.  Essentially, he signed an extension of 2 years $16 million with a possibility of a 4th year at $9 million.  Here’s my math:

If Hudson did absolutely nothing:

2010:  $12 million
Now that Hudson re-signed:

2010: $9 million

2011:  $9 million

2012:  $9 million

2013:  At least $1 million, maybe $8 million more if the Braves pick up the team option for a  total of $9 million.

Net:  $28M – $12M = $16 million future dollars that he’s guaranteed.

Hudson could have played out the 2010 season and go job hunting in Winter of 2010, but he has earned over $50 million in his career and now he has the peace of mind to play in front of his family for a few more years.

Is $9 million a season justifiable?

Not including the 2008 and 2009 seasons, Hudson was very consistent and earning anywhere between $400-500K per win.  Given that average,  he would be expected to win about 18 games at $9 million per season in 2010 and beyond.  That’s a feat that will be very difficult for any pitcher to achieve.  In my opinion the Braves may have overpaid somebody that would have stayed for a little less.