Trevor Bauer Is A Hot Commodity This Offseason
Trevor Bauer is one of the charismatic enigmas of Major League Baseball. Not only that, but he’s one of the game’s best pitchers. As the offseason gets rolling, a potential landing spot for the free agent pitcher will be one of the biggest signings of the winter. Where does one of the games best end up?
Bauer, 28, is a former All-Star (2018) and current NL Cy Young. The shortened 2020 campaign was his best season yet. He led the NL in ERA (1.73) and amassed 100 K’s in 73 innings. That’s just under a 300 K total for a regular non-shortend season. There is no denying how dominant he really is.
A former 3rd overall pick in 2011, Bauer hit his stride with the Cleveland Indians. He became one of the many aces of the teams pitching staff, leading them into numerous postseason appearances, even the World Series. In a cost-cutting move, Indians ownership moved him to Cincinnati in 2019. Had it not been for Shane Bieber, this would have been a move the Indians organization and fans regret much more than they already do. Trading away one of the 10 best pitchers in the game. That never goes over well with any fanbase.
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Bauer was beloved by Cleveland fans. Always a fan favorite, seeing him go really was a punch in the gut to the city. Of course, like most small market teams, Cleveland wasn’t going to be able to afford Bauer come this offseason.
Despite his alleged desire to only sign one-year deals, the asking price for his services will undoubtedly be high. That’s not the major issue for most teams. It’ll be his commitment to the roster long term which limits his options a bit.
Unless you’re a team on the cusp of a World Series, paying Bauer a hefty sum doesn’t add up. A one-year deal only guarantees you one shot at the title. For a team like Seattle, Bauer makes no sense. Atlanta, San Diego, LA, New York Yankees, Minnesota, Houston ( who would be a longshot based on their history ), even a return to Cincinnati, those all seem like logical landing spots.
With his skill, Bauer will command money. The Covid situation does put a bit of a restrain on some teams to offer big deals, however, that won’t mean the interest isn’t going to be sky high. It’s rare a Cy Young pitcher is going into free agency the season after his Cy Young win.
However, despite his talent, there is a lot to Trevor Bauer that rubs many the wrong way. He’s been one of the most vocal players regarding the Astros cheating scandal (one which affected him greatly). Bauer has gotten into heated Twitter arguments with baseball great, Curt Schilling, and in one of the biggest side stories about his free agency suitors, there’s a mutual disdain between him and Yankees pitcher, Gerrit Cole, one which goes back to their college days at UCLA.
It’s possible Bauer signs with Houston or the Yankees. It’s not likely given the aforementioned reasons, but when you’re at the top of your game, anything goes. We honestly don’t know who he’ll sign with. Bauer doesn’t seem like the type who will just sign for the money. He will go to whatever team gives him the best chance to win. And whether that’s on a one-year deal, or he does go against what he said and commit long term, Bauer is still the most coveted name on the free agent market this offseason.
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Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
