The Cincinnati Reds have made more headlines for what they've lost (Dusty Baker, Shin-Soo Choo) since their season ended in Pittsburgh.
We could add one more name to that list: Homer Bailey, though at least moving him would bring something back to build for the future.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that Bailey's name is still floating around in trade circles, even if there's no evidence the Reds want to deal him.
The Reds have been very quiet this offseason, but Bailey's name has come up quite often as possible trade bait. In fact, the Reds could possibly bring back Arroyo if they can deal Bailey.
Bailey's name was floated around as a potential trade candidate at the winter meetings, but general manager Walt Jocketty told reporters that wasn't true because the Reds were trying to re-sign the right-hander.
It's going to cost the Reds a pretty penny to even get in Bailey's ballpark on an extension, let alone entice him with enough money to sign.
He's going to be 28 years old in May, coming off a career year in 2013 with 209 innings pitched, 199 strikeouts, 3.49 ERA and will be a free agent at the end of next season.
The Reds are in a very precarious position because they are built to compete now even though they have lost their second-best position player (Choo) and a reliable cog in the rotation (Bronson Arroyo).
I still think they are the No. 2 team in the National League Central, but the farm isn't going to offer much help for 2014. Top prospect Robert Stephenson won't be ready until 2015, at which time he could take Bailey's spot, but that doesn't do anything to add depth to an aging, expensive roster.
Exploring trades for Bailey would be in Cincinnati's best interest, though it's not hard to understand why they want to keep him and try to sign him long term.
If you want to talk baseball, hit me up on Twitter. Follow @adamwells1985The author
Có 0 nhận xét Post a Comment