MLB: Realmuto back with Phillies, Mets make move on Bauer
It seems Tuesday was signing day for this year’s free agents, including one of the biggest names left on the market.
Catcher J.T. Realmuto, a twotime all-star considered the best position player still available, reportedly agreed to a five-year deal to return to the Philadelphia Phillies. Shortstop Marcus Semien, just a year removed from being top three in American League MVP voting, agreed to a one-year deal with Toronto. Reliever Brad Hand, who led the majors in saves last season, finalized a one-year deal with Washington. Fourtime gold glove shortstop Andrelton Simmons agreed to a one-year contract with Minnesota.
Second baseman Cesar Hernandez re-upped with Cleveland for another season. And former Blue Jays shortstop Freddy Galvis signed a one-year deal with Baltimore.
And the New York Mets might be on the verge of the biggest deal. They have offered freeagent starter Trevor Bauer a contract that would make him one of baseball’s highest-paid players on annual average salary, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told USA Today.
The deal would approach, but not eclipse, New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole’s $36-million (U.S.) average on his nineyear, $324 million contract signed a year ago, though it would be much shorter in length.
One Mets official cautioned that the team is still evaluating all aspects of Bauer’s strong social media presence.The pitcher has had several public clashes on Twitter, including an exchange two years ago with a female student at Texas State University, which Bauer later apologized for.
More on Tuesday’s deals: Realmuto, whose five-year, $115.5-million contract is pending a physical, will get $20 million next season, of which $10 million is deferred, with $5 million each payable in 2026 and 2027. He gets $23,875,000 in each of the final four years. The deal includes a $1 million assignment bonus if traded.
Hand’s $10.5 million contract includes $6.5 million in salary that will be deferred without interest. The 30-year-old led the majors with 16 saves over 23 appearances.
Hernandez, whose deal is also pending a physical, led the AL in doubles last season and his return softens the impact of Cleveland losing all-star shortstop Francisco Lindor, traded to the Mets earlier this month.