Right-hander Trevor Bauer is definitely hitting the free agency this offseason. According to Bauer’s agent Rachel Luba, her client rejected the qualifying offer from Cincinnati Reds that would pay him $18.9 million next season.
Bauer is now available to talk with interested MLB teams, but Luba added that the 29-year-old player doesn’t rule out a return to Cincinnati. Still, in order for this to happen, the Reds will have to offer him a long-term contract.
Bauer is expected to attract significant interest on the open market, especially considering a stellar campaign he had in 2020. He finished the season with a 5-4 record, posting 1.73 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 11 games he started.
Chicago White Sox are reportedly the biggest favorites to land Trevor Bauer at the moment. The White Sox have a talented team but need a reliable hand in the rotation to put them over the top. Bauer can be that.
Other intriguing options include New York Mets, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Angels.
Bauer spent the last two seasons with Reds, while previously suiting up for Arizona Diamondbacks and Cleveland Indians. He has an All-Star appearance from 2018.
