The former Red is essentially free for the taking...
If the Reds want to bemoan their status as a "small market" team, it might be time to play a little dirty.
Baseball's Most Hated Man?
Trevor Bauer has not pitched in the Major Leagues since 2021. The reason for that is more controversial than it should be: during the 2021 season, he was put on leave due to sexual assault allegations, and was ultimately suspended for all of the 2022 season. He was officially released by the Dodgers in 2023.
Bauer never faced criminal charges. In fact, his accuser is now facing two felonies for attempting to defraud the former Cy Young Award winner. What is the problem then?
It has been reported that Bauer can be a distraction in the clubhouse. It is true that he has some curious antics and is a little bit quirky - but why would that stop a small market team like the Reds from picking him up for chump change?
Remember this from 2020? Bauer's manager was none other than the recently hired Terry Francona. It is time for a reunion. No excuses. You would have to imagine that Bauer would walk the line as tightly as possible after the allegations and attention, so I do not buy the "distraction" narrative. Even if he did not, Francona would keep him in line, where David Bell may not have.
Imagine the depth and potential of this rotation:
Hunter Greene
Nick Lodolo
Trevor Bauer
Brady Singer
Andrew Abbott / Nick Martinez / Brandon Williamson / Graham Ashcraft
The Reds have a small budget, we all know it. How about instead of complaining and trying to build a Manfred approved roster, they make a bold move by signing the only Cy Young winner in their history to a league minimum deal? Make the move no other team will. Win a World Series!
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