Cincinnati Reds: Three landing spots for Trevor Bauer

Trevor Bauer may be the most intriguing free agent in the market. Let’s take a look at three possible destinations for the Cincinnati Reds pitcher.

Trevor Bauer may be the most unpredictable free agent available. The Cincinnati Reds starter had stated his desire to pitch on a series of one year deals until he retired, looking to maximize his earning potential while betting on himself and looking for the best fits.

However, he has backed off of that stance lately, indicating that he could be willing to sign a multi-year deal if the situation is right. That would presumably mean that he would be looking to go to a team that would allow him to be himself, as well as finding a contender that has a strong grasp on analytics and pitching technology.

In doing so, Bauer essentially made himself a target for virtually any team, aside from the Houston Astros. His constant trolling of the team, and outrage over their cheating scandal, has eliminated them from consideration. But that does not mean that Bauer will be hurt in free agency.

If Bauer does leave the Cincinnati Reds, he could end up virtually anywhere. Let’s look at the top three landing spots.

Atlanta Braves

Should Trevor Bauer hold firm to his previously stated desire to play on a series of one year deals, the Atlanta Braves could be the perfect fit.

The Braves have displayed a willingness to make a large splash on one year deals over the past few seasons, signing Josh Donaldson and Marcell Ozuna. Bauer would cost more than either player on a one year deal, but could have an even greater impact upon the Braves.

The biggest issue facing Atlanta during the postseason was their lack of a true ace. Mike Soroka found himself on the Injured List after just three starts, and Cole Hamels made just one appearance. Even with Soroka’s return, the Braves could use another top of the rotation starter as they look to take that next step forward.

Enter Bauer. Despite some inconsistencies in his career, he is easily the best pitcher on the market. He does carry some risk due to his roller coaster track record, but there is no denying the potential if Bauer is right. Adding him to an already intriguing rotation would make the Braves the favorites in the NL East, and a true World Series contender.

If Trevor Bauer is looking to sign a one year deal, the Atlanta Braves could make a lot of sense. Their willingness to sign those expensive one year deals makes them a favorite for his services.

New York Mets

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen stated that he expects the team to contend immediately. Signing Cincinnati Reds starter Trevor Bauer would prove that he is a man of his word.

Cohen has ushered a new day in New York. He has stated that the Mets will act like the large market team that they are, that mediocrity is no longer acceptable. His proclamations have already made an impact in free agency, as Marcus Stroman signed his Qualifying Offer based on how impressed he was with Cohen’s press conference.

But those words will only go so far. The Mets need to back that up with actions. Their rotation, if healthy, is solid, but New York cannot count on Noah Syndergaard to stay on the mound. Stroman is a solid middle of the rotation arm, and Jacob deGrom is arguably the best pitcher in the game, but the Mets need far more if they want to be a viable World Series contender.

Bauer would be that missing piece to the rotation. Sandy Alderson has already gone out of his way to make sure that Bauer knows he would be wanted in New York, something that did not escape the Reds’ pitcher. He would not cure all of the Mets’ ills, but Bauer would be a tremendous start to that quest to return to the postseason.

Signing Trevor Bauer would be a sign that Steve Cohen is putting his money where his mouth is. It would send a message to the team, and the fanbase, that the Mets are ready to be the large market team they should be.