Brewers: 3 FA Signings that Would Show Commitment To Winning

RHP Trevor Bauer

As extremely unlikely and improbable it is that Trevor Bauer would sign with Milwaukee, getting involved in his market would represent quite the commitment to winning.

Bauer is one of the most interesting players in the entire MLB, both on and off the diamond. His antics on the pitching mound and willingness to speak his mind about any issue may not interest some, but his pitching certainly did a good majority of his talking in 2020.

As the National League ERA champion in 2020 at 1.73, Bauer was also the Cy Young Award Winner. His 276 ERA+ was the best in the league and he struck batters out at a 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings pitched ratio.

Besides last season, 2018 was Bauer’s most successful when he 2.21 ERA in 27 starts for the Cleveland baseball team. His 2019 struggles eventually lead to a trade deadline deal to the Cincinnati Reds. Now a free agent, Bauer is likely to command a minimum of $15MM per season and likely more if he chooses to sign a shorter deal.

As a pitcher who is entering his age-30 season, Bauer is certainly on the borderline as to if he should sign a long term deal or not. As one of the more talented starting pitchers available in free agency this year, he likely will receive multi-year offers, but if the impact of lost revenue even slightly decrease his average annual value, Bauer is at a good point in his career to sign a one year deal to prove his worth prior to signing a multi-year extension.

For the Brewers, pitching was their strength in 2020, but their starting rotation outside of Brandon Woodruff and Corbin Burnes lacked consistency. Adding Bauer to the mix would instantly make this trio of pitchers a force no team would want to face in the playoffs as the Brewers attempt to make the postseason for the fourth consecutive year.