Nick Krall: Reds have had contract discussions with Trevor Bauer

The Reds have had preliminary discussions with Trevor Bauer’s agent.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it was nice to hear Cincinnati Reds General Manager say it out loud. According to Nick Krall, via MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon, he has had preliminary discussions with Trevor Bauer‘s representation.

Trevor Bauer will be the hottest free agent on the market this offseason, and the one thing the Cincinnati Reds bring to the table is familiarity. Bauer has been with the Reds since his trade from the Cleveland Indians at the July 31st deadline last year. Bauer is quite comfortable with his battery mates, Tucker Barnhart and Curt Casali, as well as Cincinnati’s coaching staff.

Where the question comes into play for the Reds will be in the realm of money. Bauer will be on the lookout for quite the payday, and with the coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc on payrolls throughout Major League Baseball, it’s anyone’s guess as to what GMs and owners will be willing to spend.

There’s also the matter of the upcoming negotiations between the league and the Player’s Association. The current collective bargaining expires after next season. With a potential lockout looming, Bauer may not be as amiable to the one-year contract he’d previously been looking to sign. Here’s what Krall had to say in regards to pursuing Bauer via MLB.com:

"“I’ve had some discussions with his agent, not substantial at this point. I know we were waiting to get past the qualifying offer period.”"

Cincinnati has a lot of money already committed to several players for the upcoming season. With Joey Votto, Nick Castellanos, Mike Moustakas, and Sonny Gray pulling down a considerable amount next season, it’s questionable as to whether or not the Reds will have enough to bring Trevor Bauer back to the Queen City.

There’s also the matter of extending offers to several arbitration eligible players this offseason. Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle will be eligible for arbitration for the first time, and according to MLB Trade Rumors, the duo could collectively eat up another $5.3M-$8.3M of the 2021 payroll.

I still find it hard to believe that the Cincinnati Reds and Trevor Bauer will come to an agreement heading into next season. I fully expect Bauer to find a home elsewhere this winter. Look for Michael Lorenzen to take Bauer’s role in the starting rotation. Tejay Antone is another option as well.