Reds extend Bauer qualifying offer
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CINCINNATI -- As expected ahead of Sunday’s 5 p.m. ET deadline, the Reds tendered an $18.9 million qualifying offer to free agent Trevor Bauer. The starting pitcher has 10 days to accept or reject the offer.
If Bauer rejects the offer -- as is also expected -- the Reds would receive Draft pick compensation if he signs with another club. He made $17.5 million in 2019.
The Reds' three other free agents -- starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani, shortstop Freddy Galvis and reliever Tyler Thornburg -- did not receive qualifying offers.
Bauer, 29, is the leading candidate for the National League Cy Young Award, which will be announced the same day as his deadline or accept the offer -- Nov. 11.
In 11 starts and 73 innings during the shortened 2020 season, Bauer was 5-4 with an NL-best 1.73 ERA, 276 ERA+ and 100 strikeouts. In Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series that resulted in a no-decision and 1-0 Reds loss to Atlanta in 13 innings, he pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts.
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Both the Reds and Bauer have expressed interest in his return to Cincinnati, which acquired him from Cleveland at the 2019 Trade Deadline. But as a first-time free agent and the best pitcher on the market, he has strong leverage to look around the league for the best fit.
If Bauer declines the qualifying offer and signs with another club for $50 million or more, the Reds would get a compensation pick before Competitive Balance Round A. If he signs somewhere else for less than $50 million, Cincinnati would get a pick after Compensation Round B.
Without Bauer in the rotation, the Reds could put reliever Michael Lorenzen in the starting five or turn to Tejay Antone or Tyler Mahle. They could also explore the free-agent and trade markets.
Also receiving qualifying offers around the league were pitcher Kevin Gausman from the Giants, second baseman DJ LeMahieu from the Yankees, catcher JT Realmuto from the Phillies, outfielder George Springer of the Astros and pitcher Marcus Stroman from the Mets.
There have now been 96 players who have received a qualifying offer since it was implemented in 2012. Only eight have accepted.