BAUER WANTS SAY IN HOW HE'S USED AND PILES OF MONEY
Top starting pitcher available on free agent market lays out his wish list on Youtube
What does Trevor Bauer want from his suitors in free agency?
Among other things, the undisputed top starting pitcher on the market this winter says he wants to be loved. But, the right-hander also wants the money, of course, likely obscene, payroll-busting piles of it.
Calling for “a partnership” with his new team, Bauer wants a say in how he's being utilized — a potential stab at reduced workloads by starters across the game — and he wants to win. And he's not shy to tell you about what's on his wish list.
Bauer took to his Youtube channel on Sunday night to explain to fans what he's seeking from those willing to bid for his services.
The Jays have had at least one virtual meeting with Bauer and remain in pursuit of most of the top free agents, including infielder DJ Lemahieu, who has reportedly reached a rift in his talks with the Yankees.
Bauer, in keeping with the outspoken pitcher's personality, had plenty to say in the 15-minute video that, while self-serving, provided a window into his unique thoughts. As it applies specifically to the Blue Jays, Bauer didn't say much to dissuade Toronto as a destination.
Not to read too much into any individual comment, let's look at how some of them pertain to the Jays specifically.
PLAYOFFS
“I want a chance to be in the post-season every year,” Bauer said. “I want a chance to be in the World Series. Winning is super important to me. I want to be on a team that's dedicated to going for that ... trying to win the whole thing.
“When it comes to the trade deadline, they're going to go out there and make the team better. My career is too short to be part of a rebuilding window.”
Though beyond the acquisition of Hyun-jin Ryu 13 months ago, the Jays haven't landed much of substance, the will (and more importantly the money) is there. Or, so general manager Ross Atkins and team president Mark Shapiro continue to tell us. Will that approach combined with the talented young Jays roster be enough to sway Bauer? Do the pitcher's own scouting reports see the Jays as a serious player over the duration of a multi-year deal?
Possibly. But, it will also take much more cash to make it happen than the Jays needed to acquire Ryu. Perhaps even double.
OPENNESS TO NEW IDEAS
Bauer wants his new team “to accept doing things training wise.
“I've been an outcast in the past because of the training methods I've used. I've also had the reputation in the past of not being coachable. That's not true at all. I want an organization that's open to some of the things I'm doing.”
Prior to interviewing with the Jays, Bauer noted that he was looking forward to hearing what pitching coach Pete Walker and the high performance staff had to say, which is notable on a couple of levels. Walker has a terrific reputation throughout baseball and is open to new ideas. In terms of high performance, the Jays fancy themselves as worldwide leaders in that department.
GEOGRAPHY
Citing stints in Cleveland and Cincinnati, Bauer indicated that location means little and that he's not swayed by the bright lights of New York.
“What I'm interested in is connecting with the baseball fans,” Bauer said. “I've been in big media markets in my life, I've been in small media markets in my life. West Coast, East Coast, it doesn't really matter to me.”
CUBS AND BLUE JAYS DISCUSSING BRYANT DEAL
Kris Bryant has been the subject of trade talks between the Chicago Cubs and the Blue Jays, MLB Network reported.
Bryant, 29, has also drawn interest from the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants and Washington Nationals, according to previous reports.
The Cubs are undergoing an off-season makeover with slugger Kyle Schwarber non-tendered and right-handed ace Yu Darvish sent to the San Diego Padres in a trade. Team president Theo Epstein is also gone, with Jed Hoyer now the president of baseball operations.
A significant pay raise is expected for Bryant. He made US$18.6 million in 2020 and is a fourth-year arbitration eligible player after three consecutive one-year deals to avoid arbitration. But a trade could be complicated without a new contract agreement, since Bryant is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the 2021 season.
Bryant was the National League MVP in 2016 and is a three-time all-star.