Former Brewers' reliever set to join White Sox' roster ahead of Game 2 tomorrow night

This is getting out of hand.

Earlier this week, after the Chicago White Sox signed catcher Reese McGuire, who had just opted out of his contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, I wrote about how, during the last two seasons, the South Siders have made a habit of shopping in the land of "Brewers cast-offs." Over the last two years, Chicago's strategy of adding former Brewers to their roster has led to players like Gus Varland, Vinny Capra, Tyler Alexander, Adrian Houser, Aaron Civale, Elvis Peguero, and now McGuire all playing for the White Sox shortly after their time in Milwaukee came to an end.

Even the White Sox' Opening Day starter, Shane Smith, was a former Brewers farmhand who Chicago stole from Milwaukee during the 2024 Rule 5 Draft. As I've previously noted, the fact that former Brewers Run Prevention Coordinator Walker McKinven is now the White Sox' bench coach could have something to do with the ongoing phenomenon. Many of the players listed above were part of Milwaukee's roster when McKinven was on the coaching staff from 2020-2024, and it's likely that his philosophy when it comes to pitching acquisitions, which should to some extent mirror the Brewers', is influencing the White Sox' front office now.

If Brewers fans thought this trend was done when Chicago signed McGuire -- who appeared in the Opening Day game as a late-inning pinch hitter and struck out on three pitches -- earlier this week, think again.

The White Sox claimed former Brewers reliever Bryan Hudson at the 2025 trade deadline after Milwaukee designated him for assignment to make room for their deadline acquisitions. Hudson, however, was traded to the New York Mets this offseason when it became clear he didn't have a spot on the White Sox roster. However, after the Mets DFAd Hudson on Wednesday, and the White Sox' bullpen imploded against the Brewers yesterday afternoon, Chicago is bringing the towering left-hander back for another stint in their 'pen.

Bryan Hudson to join the White Sox bullpen before game two of the Opening Series on Saturday night

The White Sox just can't help themselves; they simply LOVE having former Brewers on their pitching staff. Hudson, who is out of minor league options, is owed a spot on the active roster, meaning he will be a part of the White Sox' bullpen for game two of the Opening Series tomorrow night.

Though no corresponding move has been announced by the White Sox yet, it would be fair to assume that one of the arms who threw for them in yesterday's blowout loss to the Brewers will be sent down to Triple-A. The leading candidates seem to be either Jedixson Paez, who made his MLB debut yesterday, or left-hander Tyler Gilbert.

Hudson has had a rough go of it since his breakout 2024 season in Milwaukee. Brewers fans remember his shaky performance leading up to his DFA last summer, and things didn't go much better for Hudson when he arrived in Chicago last year. Then, he allowed six earned runs in 3.1 innings with the Mets during Spring Training this year, which ultimately led to his release. The White Sox are hoping he can tap back into the potential he showed in 2024, and the Brewers are hoping he waits to do so until the White Sox leave Milwaukee on Sunday evening.