Indians’ Bieber, Reds’ Bauer win Cy Young Awards
Cleveland Indians ace Shane Bieber was the unanimous winner of the AL Cy Young Award on Wednesday night, and Trevor Bauer became the first player to take home the NL honor for the Cincinnati Reds.
Using a versatile repertoire that includes a looping curveball and a wipeout slider, Bieber went 8-1 with a 1.63 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 771⁄ innings during
3 the pandemic-shortened season, leading the majors in ERA and strikeouts and tying the Cubs’ Yu Darvish for the most wins.
Bieber became the second player in franchise history to win the pitching AL Triple Crown, joining Hall of Famer Bob Feller in 1940. The righthander also was the first pitcher to lead the majors in all three categories since Johan Santana for Minnesota in 2006.
Bauer went 5-4 with an NLbest 1.73 ERA in 11 starts, helping the Reds reach the playoffs for the first time since 2013. The 29-year-old righthander struck out 100 in 73 innings and led the majors with two shutouts, a pair of seven-inning performances on doubleheader days.
The brash Bauer is the first Cy Young winner for Cincinnati, the majors’ oldest franchise. He became a free agent after the season and turned down the Reds’ qualifying offer, but left the door open for a return.
Darvish finished second in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom was third, ending his bid for a third consecutive NL Cy Young Award.
Bieber was the first unanimous AL winner since Justin Verlander for the Detroit Tigers in 2011. It was the 10th time that an AL pitcher was a unanimous
choice for the award.
Minnesota Twins righthander Kenta Maeda was second in AL voting, followed by Toronto Blue Jays lefthander Hyun-jin Ryu.
Springer turns down qualifying offer
George Springer declined the Astros’ one-year, $18.9 million qualifying offer Wednesday, ensuring the club will receive draft compensation if the outfielder signs elsewhere.
Springer’s rejection was a foregone conclusion. He is one of the best position players on the free-agent market and will command a multiyear contract worth far more money. Before the 2020 season was shortened and salaries were prorated, Springer was set to make $21 million. This $18.9 million salary would represent a pay cut.
All four of baseball’s most prized free agents — Springer, Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto, Reds righthander Trevor Bauer and Yankees infielder DJ Lemahieu — declined qualifying offers from their respective clubs. Mets righthander Marcus Stroman and Giants righthander Kevin Gausman both accepted.
Wednesday’s move does not prevent the Astros from pursuing a reunion with Springer, the homegrown three-time All-star and 2017 World Series MVP.
If Springer signs with another team, the Astros will receive a compensatory pick after the fourth round of the 2021 draft.
Angels reportedly have 5 GM finalists
A person with knowledge of the decision says the Los Angeles Angels have narrowed down a field of five candidates to be their next general manager.
The finalists to replace Billy Eppler include Seattle Mariners assistant general manager Justin Hollander, Chicago Cubs senior vice president of player personnel Jason Mcleod, and Arizona Diamondbacks assistant general managers Amiel Sawdaye and Jared Porter. The fifth candidate wasn’t disclosed by the source.
The Angels have been without a general manager since Sept. 27, when owner Arte Moreno fired Eppler immediately after the conclusion of Los Angeles’ fifth consecutive losing season during his tenure.
Tomlin, Braves agree on one-year contract
Righthander Josh Tomlin is staying with the Atlanta Braves, agreeing to a one-year contract that guarantees $1.25 million.
Tomlin has a $1 million salary next season, and the deal announced Wednesday includes a $1.25 million club option with a $250,000 buyout.
The 36-year-old was 2-2 with a 4.76 ERA in 17 games. He had a 2.95 ERA in 12 relief appearance and had a 6.33 ERA in five starts. He became a free agent after the World Series.