It’s not a secret that Trevor Bauer’s pending free agency has at least half the league, if not more, intrigued. The flamboyant, controversial right-handed pitcher is definitely a target that the New York Yankees should consider, as they are in need of a second workhorse behind Gerrit Cole to navigate through the most feared postseason lineups.
However, a so-called feud between Cole and Bauer, dating back to their UCLA college days, is presumably in the way of the latter joining the Yankees. Bauer has said the conflict is non-existent, yet Cole hasn’t said a word.
While the New York Yankees certainly make sense for Bauer, he is offering his services to virtually all the league in a clever way, via Twitter. He has mentioned the San Diego Padres, the Boston Red Sox, the Los Angeles Angels, the Yankees and other clubs in need for a hurler, engaging with fans in the social media platform.
In the past, Bauer has said that he would be willing to go on one-year deals for the rest of his career if that helps him maximize his earnings. However, his agent, Rachel Luba, clarified on Sunday that they will examine, analyze and consider all kinds of offers, both short and long-term.
“For everyone reaching out about @BauerOutage’s previous comments regarding a desire to do only 1-year deals: We are open to & will be considering ALL types of deals,” Luba wrote via her Twitter account.
For everyone reaching out about @BauerOutage’s previous comments regarding a desire to do only 1-year deals:
We are open to & will be considering ALL types of deals.
— Rachel Luba (@AgentRachelLuba) October 18, 2020
Will the Yankees pursue Bauer at all?
The Yankees are in a position to offer both, considering that three pitchers are off the books after the World Series and that they will get Domingo German and Luis Severino back next season (the latter will return around the All-Star break, possibly a little earlier if all goes well.)
The Bombers will lose James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka and J.A. Happ. They could opt to bring one of Paxton or Tanaka and make a run at Bauer.
Since they will have at least five homegrown starting pitchers in the roster next season (Severino, German, Jordan Montgomery, Deivi Garcia and possibly Clarke Schmidt) plus Cole, the Yankees could explore making both a short and a long-term offer to Bauer.