Hudson signs four-year extension

Hudson signs four-year extension (AJC)

Tim Hudson has agreed to a four-year contract extension with the Atlanta Braves, a deal worth close to $12 million annually for the former 20-game winner. "It's good to get it done," said Hudson, who didn't want to say anything more until the team made an official announcement, which was expected at around 1 p.m. after their morning workout. The deal was completed late Monday, and includes a vesting option year tied to innings pitched. "Details," Braves general manager John Schuerholz said of the negotiations, which went almost to the March 1 deadline that Hudson had given the Braves to get a deal done. If no extension was worked out, he had said he'd become a free agent after the season and listen to offers from other teams.

It was believed he could have commanded more than $12 million annually in a five-year contract if he'd elected to become a free agent, but Hudson wanted to stay with the Braves and pitch close to the home he's building in Auburn.

Great news. And, heck, I think Hudson can live on $12 million a year if he clips his coupons.