Trevor Bauer isn't happy with a report that stated the Reds wouldn't be able to afford to re-sign him. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Trevor Bauer responds to report that he's 'too expensive' for Reds to re-sign

By Erin Walsh | Last updated Dec 19, 2020 3:33 PM ET

MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported Friday that the Cincinnati Reds would not be able to re-sign reigning National League Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer because he's "too expensive."

Bauer responded to the report later that evening, and he wasn't happy that Heyman reported something considered to be "fake news."

If your agent knows the plans of all 30 teams you aren’t paying her enough. But I think you are smart enough on your own to understand the Reds, who are talking about trading Sonny Gray ti save $, aren’t going to sign someone at least 2-3 times as expensive to replace him.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 19, 2020

I know enough about many of them to know they can’t afford you. I could expand that list to two-thirds of the teams if you like but the Reds are the newsworthy ones since it’s your most recent team. If you sign with the Reds you are welcome to get back to me.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 19, 2020

Reds general manager Nick Krall said last month that the team hadn't had any major contract negotiations with Bauer, who is receiving contract pitches from multiple clubs. If he signs with another club, it won't be surprising.

If he does sign elsewhere, the Reds won't be completely left in the dust. Since Bauer rejected Cincinnati's $18.9 million qualifying offer, the Reds will receive a compensatory pick in next year's draft. If his contract is worth $50 million or more, the pick will fall between Round 1 and Competitive Balance Round A.

Cincinnati acquired Bauer in a trade with Cleveland during the 2019 campaign. In 21 starts with the franchise, the right-hander went 7-9 with a 3.76 ERA, 1.036 WHIP and 168 strikeouts in 129.1 innings.

A number of teams across Major League Baseball are interested in Bauer, including the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

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