Dakota Hudson was born on September 15, 1994, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 215 pounds, Hudson's physical presence on the mound is commanding. He attended Sequatchie County High School and later Mississippi State University, where he honed his skills as a pitcher. In 2016, the St. Louis Cardinals (90-72) drafted him in the first round, 34th overall, recognizing his potential to become a key player in their rotation.
Hudson is known for his sinker-heavy pitching style, which induces a high ground-ball rate, a valuable asset in limiting home runs and extra-base hits. His arsenal also includes a slider and a changeup, allowing him to keep hitters off-balance. Hudson's ability to generate ground balls is a significant strength, making him a reliable option for the Cardinals in high-leverage situations.
In 2019, Hudson achieved a breakout season, finishing with a 16-7 record and a 3.35 ERA, ranking among the top pitchers for the Cardinals. His performance earned him a spot in the starting rotation for the postseason. Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2020, Hudson's resilience and work ethic have kept him on the path to recovery, with expectations high for his return to form.
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