Trevor Bauer Archives - SportzBonanza SportzBonanza Thu, 28 Jan 2021 06:23:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Re-Evaluating the Top MLB Free Agents Left on the Market https://sportzbonanza.com/re-evaluating-the-top-mlb-free-agents-left-on-the-market/ Thu, 28 Jan 2021 06:23:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=15566 With only two weeks left until pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Spring Training for the 2021 MLB season, there are still a handful of big-name free agents that still haven’t signed a deal with a new team. The market has changed throughout the winter, with teams having filled roster holes that might […]

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With only two weeks left until pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Spring Training for the 2021 MLB season, there are still a handful of big-name free agents that still haven’t signed a deal with a new team.

The market has changed throughout the winter, with teams having filled roster holes that might have been open back in November, and other possibilities for free agents opening up thanks to non-tenders and trades.

Let’s take a look at the three biggest free agent names still left unsigned, evaluate their markets, and choose a new home for them.

Trevor Bauer

The biggest name left on the market is 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner, who dazzled as arguably the best pitcher in all of baseball last season.

Bauer has long been an enigma, and has upped his status as a unique figure in the game by stating that he wants to start every fourth game with whatever club he signs for.

It’s clear that Bauer wants to go to a forward-thinking team, and there are plenty of franchises with money to spend and holes in their rotations where he could be a fit. Despite theoretically having enough starting pitching, the Dodgers have been reported to be getting in the fray as a potential destination for the California native.

We think that Bauer, however, will end up across town. We predict that he signs with the Los Angeles Angels on a five-year contract worth $175 million, a team that is so desperate for starting pitching that they might just consider his fourth-day proposal.

Marcell Ozuna

It’s hard for many to believe that Marcell Ozuna, one of the best consistent right-handed power bats in the league, still has not found a new home.

Despite the uncertainty related to the implementation (or not) of a universal DH in 2021, the 30-year-old star, should theoretically fit for any team with a hole in the middle of its lineup. Ozuna isn’t a great fielder, but he is passable in left field and doesn’t necessarily have to be a DH.

We think that Ozuna likely will not return to the Braves team where he thrived in 2020 thanks to their reticence to give out multi-year deals to free agents. Ozuna, we predict, will instead head to the Seattle Mariners for three years and $75 million as they look to compete with an exciting young core.

Justin Turner

The long-time Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman might be getting up there in age, but what is undeniable is that he provides consistent production at third base and would be a great addition to most lineups.

Will Turner stick around in Los Angeles, where he resurged as a player after a mediocre run with the Mets?

We find it difficult to imagine him playing anywhere else, even though there does seem to be a gap between the two sides, with Turner wanting a four-year deal and the Dodgers only offering two. How about they split the gap, with Turner heading back to the Dodgers on a three-year contract worth $60 million?

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Freddie Freeman and Trevor Bauer Lead the All-MLB First Team Selections for 2020 https://sportzbonanza.com/freddie-freeman-and-trevor-bauer-lead-the-all-mlb-first-team-selections-for-2020/ Sun, 13 Dec 2020 06:46:38 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=15131 Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman in 2019The All-MLB First Team for 2020 was announced on Wednesday, and it was the Atlanta Braves who had most honorees among all clubs in the league. The Braves have three players on the first team, with slugger Freddie Freeman, reigning NL MVP, joined by teammates Marcell Ozuna and Max Fried. The San Diego Padres follow […]

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The All-MLB First Team for 2020 was announced on Wednesday, and it was the Atlanta Braves who had most honorees among all clubs in the league.

The Braves have three players on the first team, with slugger Freddie Freeman, reigning NL MVP, joined by teammates Marcell Ozuna and Max Fried.

The San Diego Padres follow with two players selected in the first team, with third baseman Manny Machado receiving his first career All-MLB nod, as well as rookie shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.

NL Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer (Cincinnati Reds) headlines the pitching part of All-MLB First Team, while the starting rotation is rounded by Fried, AL Cy Young winner Shane Bieber (Cleveland Indians), Yu Darvish (Chicago Cubs), and Jacob deGrom (NY Mets).

World Series champions LA Dodgers have Mookie Betts as a lone selected player, who is joined by Mike Trout (LA Angels) and Juan Soto (Washington Nationals) in the outfield.

The remainder of 2020 All-MLB First Team features relievers Nick Anderson (Tampa Bay Rays) and Liam Hendriks (Oakland A’s), second baseman DJ LeMahieu (NY Yankees), and catcher Salvador Perez (Kansas City Royals). 

The All-MLB First Team was selected by votes of fans, media, former players, and MLB officials.

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Picking a Destination for MLB’s Top Free Agents https://sportzbonanza.com/picking-a-destination-for-mlbs-top-free-agents/ Sun, 22 Nov 2020 05:11:00 +0000 https://stagingspb.wpengine.com/?p=14845 MLB’s free agency period has begun and the league is beginning to see some minor deals made as some of the less notable names in the league begin to sign deals with new teams. The big fish are yet to find a new home, however, as all five of our top free agents of the […]

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MLB’s free agency period has begun and the league is beginning to see some minor deals made as some of the less notable names in the league begin to sign deals with new teams.

The big fish are yet to find a new home, however, as all five of our top free agents of the 2020-21 offseason are still out in the market.

What teams would be the best fits for these players? Let’s select a destination for this offseason’s cream of the crop.

JT Realmuto

Realmuto is arguably the most attractive free agent on the market this offseason, a true five-tool player who is among the best hitters at the catcher position in the entire league.

At the age of only 29 and with many productive years left to come, he’s in line for a big deal. Who can afford him and has needs at the catcher position? While the Phillies might want to retain him, the Mets under new ownership and with big plans can offer him an attractive proposal that would see him leave for an NL East rival.

Prediction: New York Mets

Trevor Bauer

The 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner previously stated that he would prefer to exclusively sign one-year deals as a free agent, but backtracked on his word earlier this year.

The Southern California native has spent most of his time playing in Ohio, and a return to his home with the pitching-starved and big-budget Angels makes an awful lot of sense. New GM Perry Minasian has stated that believes the team is on the verge of contention and Bauer could be the missing ingredient.

Prediction: Los Angeles Angels

George Springer

George Springer silenced many of his doubters after the Astros cheating scandal broke last offseason, having another successful season while manning center field for Houston. He shook off a slow start to hit .265 with 14 home runs and played typically good defense in center.

Houston would be awfully short on outfield depth if they don’t re-sign Springer, and let’s be honest–they have the money to do so, and Springer feels at home there. A return to the Astros makes the most sense for all parties involved.

Prediction: Houston Astros

Marcell Ozuna

Marcell Ozuna was one of the sensations of the 2020 season, coming within striking distance of the NL Triple Crown after an outstanding season on a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves.

Both the Braves and Ozuna seemed happy with their marriage, but will the contending Braves shell out big for a free agent for the first time over the past decade? With uncertainty over the DH next season in the National League, a team that’s looking to contend like the White Sox with both outfield and DH openings makes more sense for the slugger.

Prediction: Chicago White Sox

DJ LeMahieu

While DJ LeMahieu might technically be a free agent, it sure would seem odd for him to do anything but stay in the Bronx.

After joining the Yankees from the Rockies in 2019, the versatile infielder has become a fan favorite and taken his hitting ability to a new level. Yankee Stadium is the perfect place for LeMahieu to hit and the big-money team would be left with a huge hole on its roster were the Louisiana native to leave. Expect him to stick around.

Prediction: New York Yankees

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Shane Bieber, Trevor Bauer Named Cy Young Award Winners https://sportzbonanza.com/shane-bieber-trevor-bauer-named-cy-young-award-winners/ Sun, 15 Nov 2020 05:26:00 +0000 https://stagingspb.wpengine.com/?p=14777 Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Shane Bieber in 2019.The Cy Young Award this year was won by the state of Ohio, which is where its namesake was born and played most of his career. This year, the awards for the best pitcher in the National League and American League were awarded to Cincinnati Reds ace Trevor Bauer and Cleveland Indians star Shane Bieber. […]

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The Cy Young Award this year was won by the state of Ohio, which is where its namesake was born and played most of his career.

This year, the awards for the best pitcher in the National League and American League were awarded to Cincinnati Reds ace Trevor Bauer and Cleveland Indians star Shane Bieber.

Bauer was an absolute force on the mound this season and almost untouchable. He struck out 100 batters in 73 innings, posting a ridiculous 1.73 ERA. Bauer won the Cy Young Award decisively, earning 27-first place votes out of 30.

Bieber was actually even more impressive, posting an 8-1 record with a 1.63 ERA. He struck out 122 batters in 77.1 innings. He finished the season either alone at the top or tied for first in the league in victories, strikeouts, and ERA.

Bieber received all 30 first-place votes and is the first pitcher to receive all 30 votes since Clayton Kershaw did it in 2014.

In each of his 12 starts, Bieber struck out at least eight batters. Bauer did the same in five games.

In one game against the Kansas City Royals, Bieber struck out 14 batters, which was a season-high for him.

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Ranking MLB’s Top Free Agents This Offseason https://sportzbonanza.com/ranking-mlbs-top-free-agents-this-offseason/ Fri, 06 Nov 2020 05:37:00 +0000 https://stagingspb.wpengine.com/?p=14647 Major League Baseball’s free agency period kicked off last week as 147 different Major Leaguers around the league saw their contracts expire. Plenty of those players will find new homes over the offseason, looking to make impacts wherever they sign. So, which of these players will be the most hotly-contested assets and the most valuable […]

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Major League Baseball’s free agency period kicked off last week as 147 different Major Leaguers around the league saw their contracts expire.

Plenty of those players will find new homes over the offseason, looking to make impacts wherever they sign. So, which of these players will be the most hotly-contested assets and the most valuable additions? Here is the ranking of our top five.

1. JT Realmuto, Catcher

JT Realmuto has emerged as the best all-around catcher in the game of baseball over the past five seasons. Traded from the Marlins to the Phillies prior to the 2019 season, he continued to produce and put up huge defensive numbers. Realmuto’s 2020 was his best at the plate, as he put up a career-high .349 OBP and hit for a career-high .225 isolated power figure.

Realmuto can do it all, and his importance at baseball’s most demanding position cannot be overstated. Despite the deflated post-COVID-19 market, he’s in line for a multiple-year deal worth a lot of money.

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#phillyloaded

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2. Trevor Bauer, Starting Pitcher

Trevor Bauer is a polarizing figure in the league, using his social media clout to build his own brand and pick fights with everyone from commissioner Rob Manfred to fellow players.

What can’t be denied is that he took a huge step forward in 2020 with the Reds, turning himself into an elite starting pitcher with huge strikeout numbers and a 1.73 ERA. Whether Bauer is more of that type of pitcher or more of the type that saw him post a 4.48 ERA in 2019 is yet to be determined, but the odds-on favorite for NL Cy Young Award is undoubtedly tantalizing.

3. George Springer, Center Fielder

Are you looking for consistently good play in center field and big offensive productions? Plenty of GMs will be this offseason, and no one fits the bill better than long-time Astros outfielder George Springer.

He hasn’t had a bad offensive year since his debut in 2014, ranking sixteenth in home runs and thirty-eighth in OBP among qualified hitters in that stretch. Springer isn’t quite a superstar, but he’s a perennial All-Star caliber player who should continue to produce over the next few seasons. He’ll be in high demand.

Houston Astros center fielder George Springer in 2019. Photo by Albert Pena/CSM/Shutterstock (10215407p)

4. Marcell Ozuna, Left Fielder/DH

Marcell Ozuna is one of the most difficult-to-read players on the free agent list this offseason. His career has been a roller coaster ride, as he burst onto the scene as one of baseball’s top young talents in 2017 before having two decent but not great seasons in St. Louis.

He reminded everyone why he was so heralded in 2020, absolutely crushing the baseball with the Braves after signing a one-year deal. Playing mostly as a DH (something to watch, as his outfield play has worsened in recent years), he crushed 18 home runs (3rd in MLB) and hit .338 as part of Atlanta’s deadly 1-2 punch with Freddie Freeman. He is much like Bauer, but as a position player: can teams count on something resembling a 2020 Ozuna, or will he simply be just an above-average piece?

View this post on Instagram

To the great fans of the Atlanta Braves, and to my teammates, coaches, front office staff, and club ownership: Thank you. Thank you for accepting me, and for allowing me to play for you in 2020. I am very disappointed that we fell short of our goal of bringing a World Series title to the city of Atlanta. But despite not reaching our ultimate objective, I am proud of what we accomplished together. In this crazy year, you all embraced me and supported me and reinforced that I made the right decision to come play for the Braves. My time in Atlanta this year brought me so much joy and I will remember this season ALWAYS None of us know what the future holds, but I know the future is BIG and BRIGHT. Thank you all. Spanish A los grandes fanáticos de los Bravos de Atlanta, y a mis compañeros de equipo, entrenadores, personal de la oficina principal y propietarios del club: Gracias. Gracias por aceptarme y por permitirme jugar para ustedes en 2020. Estoy muy decepcionado de que no logramos nuestro objetivo de llevar un título de Serie Mundial a la ciudad de Atlanta. Pero a pesar de no alcanzar nuestro objetivo final, estoy orgulloso de lo que logramos juntos. En este año loco, todos me abrazaron y apoyaron y reforzaron que tomé la decisión correcta de venir a jugar para los Bravos. Mi tiempo en Atlanta este año me trajo mucha alegría y recordaré esta temporada SIEMPRE Ninguno de nosotros sabe lo que nos depara el futuro, pero yo sé que el futuro es GRANDE y BRILLANTE. Gracias a todos.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

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5. DJ LeMahieu, Infielder

DJ LeMahieu might be turning 33 next year, but there’s no doubt that the man can hit. In fact, in five of the past six seasons, he has hit over .300 and he took home the MLB batting crown in 2020 on the back of a .364 average.

It remains to be seen recent power surge is more of a product of improvement or playing at hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium, but the team that signs LeMahieu can count on a player who will get on base plenty while providing solid defense at a variety of positions, including first, second, and third base. He’s an ideal top-of-the-lineup hitter and some team will be lucky to have him.

View this post on Instagram

CC with 3,000 Ks. Incredible moment. #legaCCy

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Trevor Bauer “Open to All Types of Deals” in Free Agency https://sportzbonanza.com/trevor-bauer-open-to-all-types-of-deals-in-free-agency/ Wed, 21 Oct 2020 06:07:03 +0000 https://stagingspb.wpengine.com/?p=14402 Cincinnati Reds’ right-hander Trevor Bauer said on multiple occasions in the past that he is interested in only doing a short-term deal in the future. At the time, Bauer said that this will prevent him from “being in a situation” that may not make him “happy.” However, following a stellar performance in 2020, which made […]

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Cincinnati Reds’ right-hander Trevor Bauer said on multiple occasions in the past that he is interested in only doing a short-term deal in the future. At the time, Bauer said that this will prevent him from “being in a situation” that may not make him “happy.”

However, following a stellar performance in 2020, which made him the frontrunner for this year’s NL Cy Young Award, Bauer changed his opinion.

In order to clarify things, Bauer’s agent Rachel Luba went on Twitter over the weekend and said that her client is “open to and will be considering ALL types of deals.”

Trevor Bauer is set to become a free agent this offseason after signing a 1-year, $17.5 million deal with the organization last year. Bauer posted a 5-4 in 11 starts and finished the season with a 1.74 ERA. He also had 100 strikeouts and two shutouts.

There is a good chance that Reds will want to keep Bauer in Cincinnati, but several other teams in need of a pitcher will try to swoop in. So far, the most likely candidates for the 29-year-old include underachieving Minnesota Twins and New York Mets.

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Reds Acquire Trevor Bauer, Indians Get Yasiel Puig in Blockbuster Three-Team Deal https://sportzbonanza.com/reds-acquire-trevor-bauer-indians-get-yasiel-puig-in-blockbuster-three-team-deal/ Thu, 01 Aug 2019 05:22:32 +0000 https://stagingspb.wpengine.com/?p=8334 After the rumor mill surrounding Trevor Bauer and Yasiel Puig turned for weeks and weeks, Tuesday night saw them move on to new teams in what will go down as one of this year’s biggest moves. The Reds acquired All-Star starting pitcher from the Indians while sending OF Yasiel Puig and LHP Scott Moss to […]

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After the rumor mill surrounding Trevor Bauer and Yasiel Puig turned for weeks and weeks, Tuesday night saw them move on to new teams in what will go down as one of this year’s biggest moves.

The Reds acquired All-Star starting pitcher from the Indians while sending OF Yasiel Puig and LHP Scott Moss to Cleveland.

San Diego contributed prospects to make the deal a fit, sending OF Franmil Reyes, LHP Logan Allen, and 3B Victor Nova to the Indians to complete the trade. In exchange, they have acquired highly-rated OF prospect Taylor Trammel from Cincinnati.

This trade will shake up the baseball landscape, sending two of the game’s biggest and most controversial figures from one Ohio team to another.

Bauer, who was in the news over the weekend after throwing a tantrum and tossing a ball over the outfield wall in Kansas City after a bad outing, heads to a Reds team that believes that his electric arm will help them compete for a playoff spot in 2020.

Meanwhile, Cleveland acquires the talented Puig, who was ironically involved in a bench-clearing brawl in the Reds’ game against the Pirates on Tuesday night before the trade. He’s expected to help their outfield as they compete for the AL Central crown.

This move will almost certainly go down as one of, if not the, biggest swaps at this year’s Trade Deadline.

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ersion="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> Trevor Bauer Archives - SportzBonanza SportzBonanza Thu, 28 Jan 2021 06:23:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Re-Evaluating the Top MLB Free Agents Left on the Market https://sportzbonanza.com/re-evaluating-the-top-mlb-free-agents-left-on-the-market/ Thu, 28 Jan 2021 06:23:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=15566 With only two weeks left until pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Spring Training for the 2021 MLB season, there are still a handful of big-name free agents that still haven’t signed a deal with a new team. The market has changed throughout the winter, with teams having filled roster holes that might […]

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With only two weeks left until pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Spring Training for the 2021 MLB season, there are still a handful of big-name free agents that still haven’t signed a deal with a new team.

The market has changed throughout the winter, with teams having filled roster holes that might have been open back in November, and other possibilities for free agents opening up thanks to non-tenders and trades.

Let’s take a look at the three biggest free agent names still left unsigned, evaluate their markets, and choose a new home for them.

Trevor Bauer

The biggest name left on the market is 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner, who dazzled as arguably the best pitcher in all of baseball last season.

Bauer has long been an enigma, and has upped his status as a unique figure in the game by stating that he wants to start every fourth game with whatever club he signs for.

It’s clear that Bauer wants to go to a forward-thinking team, and there are plenty of franchises with money to spend and holes in their rotations where he could be a fit. Despite theoretically having enough starting pitching, the Dodgers have been reported to be getting in the fray as a potential destination for the California native.

We think that Bauer, however, will end up across town. We predict that he signs with the Los Angeles Angels on a five-year contract worth $175 million, a team that is so desperate for starting pitching that they might just consider his fourth-day proposal.

Marcell Ozuna

It’s hard for many to believe that Marcell Ozuna, one of the best consistent right-handed power bats in the league, still has not found a new home.

Despite the uncertainty related to the implementation (or not) of a universal DH in 2021, the 30-year-old star, should theoretically fit for any team with a hole in the middle of its lineup. Ozuna isn’t a great fielder, but he is passable in left field and doesn’t necessarily have to be a DH.

We think that Ozuna likely will not return to the Braves team where he thrived in 2020 thanks to their reticence to give out multi-year deals to free agents. Ozuna, we predict, will instead head to the Seattle Mariners for three years and $75 million as they look to compete with an exciting young core.

Justin Turner

The long-time Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman might be getting up there in age, but what is undeniable is that he provides consistent production at third base and would be a great addition to most lineups.

Will Turner stick around in Los Angeles, where he resurged as a player after a mediocre run with the Mets?

We find it difficult to imagine him playing anywhere else, even though there does seem to be a gap between the two sides, with Turner wanting a four-year deal and the Dodgers only offering two. How about they split the gap, with Turner heading back to the Dodgers on a three-year contract worth $60 million?

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Freddie Freeman and Trevor Bauer Lead the All-MLB First Team Selections for 2020 https://sportzbonanza.com/freddie-freeman-and-trevor-bauer-lead-the-all-mlb-first-team-selections-for-2020/ Sun, 13 Dec 2020 06:46:38 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=15131 Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman in 2019The All-MLB First Team for 2020 was announced on Wednesday, and it was the Atlanta Braves who had most honorees among all clubs in the league. The Braves have three players on the first team, with slugger Freddie Freeman, reigning NL MVP, joined by teammates Marcell Ozuna and Max Fried. The San Diego Padres follow […]

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The All-MLB First Team for 2020 was announced on Wednesday, and it was the Atlanta Braves who had most honorees among all clubs in the league.

The Braves have three players on the first team, with slugger Freddie Freeman, reigning NL MVP, joined by teammates Marcell Ozuna and Max Fried.

The San Diego Padres follow with two players selected in the first team, with third baseman Manny Machado receiving his first career All-MLB nod, as well as rookie shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.

NL Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer (Cincinnati Reds) headlines the pitching part of All-MLB First Team, while the starting rotation is rounded by Fried, AL Cy Young winner Shane Bieber (Cleveland Indians), Yu Darvish (Chicago Cubs), and Jacob deGrom (NY Mets).

World Series champions LA Dodgers have Mookie Betts as a lone selected player, who is joined by Mike Trout (LA Angels) and Juan Soto (Washington Nationals) in the outfield.

The remainder of 2020 All-MLB First Team features relievers Nick Anderson (Tampa Bay Rays) and Liam Hendriks (Oakland A’s), second baseman DJ LeMahieu (NY Yankees), and catcher Salvador Perez (Kansas City Royals). 

The All-MLB First Team was selected by votes of fans, media, former players, and MLB officials.

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Picking a Destination for MLB’s Top Free Agents https://sportzbonanza.com/picking-a-destination-for-mlbs-top-free-agents/ Sun, 22 Nov 2020 05:11:00 +0000 https://stagingspb.wpengine.com/?p=14845 MLB’s free agency period has begun and the league is beginning to see some minor deals made as some of the less notable names in the league begin to sign deals with new teams. The big fish are yet to find a new home, however, as all five of our top free agents of the […]

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MLB’s free agency period has begun and the league is beginning to see some minor deals made as some of the less notable names in the league begin to sign deals with new teams.

The big fish are yet to find a new home, however, as all five of our top free agents of the 2020-21 offseason are still out in the market.

What teams would be the best fits for these players? Let’s select a destination for this offseason’s cream of the crop.

JT Realmuto

Realmuto is arguably the most attractive free agent on the market this offseason, a true five-tool player who is among the best hitters at the catcher position in the entire league.

At the age of only 29 and with many productive years left to come, he’s in line for a big deal. Who can afford him and has needs at the catcher position? While the Phillies might want to retain him, the Mets under new ownership and with big plans can offer him an attractive proposal that would see him leave for an NL East rival.

Prediction: New York Mets

Trevor Bauer

The 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner previously stated that he would prefer to exclusively sign one-year deals as a free agent, but backtracked on his word earlier this year.

The Southern California native has spent most of his time playing in Ohio, and a return to his home with the pitching-starved and big-budget Angels makes an awful lot of sense. New GM Perry Minasian has stated that believes the team is on the verge of contention and Bauer could be the missing ingredient.

Prediction: Los Angeles Angels

George Springer

George Springer silenced many of his doubters after the Astros cheating scandal broke last offseason, having another successful season while manning center field for Houston. He shook off a slow start to hit .265 with 14 home runs and played typically good defense in center.

Houston would be awfully short on outfield depth if they don’t re-sign Springer, and let’s be honest–they have the money to do so, and Springer feels at home there. A return to the Astros makes the most sense for all parties involved.

Prediction: Houston Astros

Marcell Ozuna

Marcell Ozuna was one of the sensations of the 2020 season, coming within striking distance of the NL Triple Crown after an outstanding season on a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves.

Both the Braves and Ozuna seemed happy with their marriage, but will the contending Braves shell out big for a free agent for the first time over the past decade? With uncertainty over the DH next season in the National League, a team that’s looking to contend like the White Sox with both outfield and DH openings makes more sense for the slugger.

Prediction: Chicago White Sox

DJ LeMahieu

While DJ LeMahieu might technically be a free agent, it sure would seem odd for him to do anything but stay in the Bronx.

After joining the Yankees from the Rockies in 2019, the versatile infielder has become a fan favorite and taken his hitting ability to a new level. Yankee Stadium is the perfect place for LeMahieu to hit and the big-money team would be left with a huge hole on its roster were the Louisiana native to leave. Expect him to stick around.

Prediction: New York Yankees

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Shane Bieber, Trevor Bauer Named Cy Young Award Winners https://sportzbonanza.com/shane-bieber-trevor-bauer-named-cy-young-award-winners/ Sun, 15 Nov 2020 05:26:00 +0000 https://stagingspb.wpengine.com/?p=14777 Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Shane Bieber in 2019.The Cy Young Award this year was won by the state of Ohio, which is where its namesake was born and played most of his career. This year, the awards for the best pitcher in the National League and American League were awarded to Cincinnati Reds ace Trevor Bauer and Cleveland Indians star Shane Bieber. […]

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The Cy Young Award this year was won by the state of Ohio, which is where its namesake was born and played most of his career.

This year, the awards for the best pitcher in the National League and American League were awarded to Cincinnati Reds ace Trevor Bauer and Cleveland Indians star Shane Bieber.

Bauer was an absolute force on the mound this season and almost untouchable. He struck out 100 batters in 73 innings, posting a ridiculous 1.73 ERA. Bauer won the Cy Young Award decisively, earning 27-first place votes out of 30.

Bieber was actually even more impressive, posting an 8-1 record with a 1.63 ERA. He struck out 122 batters in 77.1 innings. He finished the season either alone at the top or tied for first in the league in victories, strikeouts, and ERA.

Bieber received all 30 first-place votes and is the first pitcher to receive all 30 votes since Clayton Kershaw did it in 2014.

In each of his 12 starts, Bieber struck out at least eight batters. Bauer did the same in five games.

In one game against the Kansas City Royals, Bieber struck out 14 batters, which was a season-high for him.

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Ranking MLB’s Top Free Agents This Offseason https://sportzbonanza.com/ranking-mlbs-top-free-agents-this-offseason/ Fri, 06 Nov 2020 05:37:00 +0000 https://stagingspb.wpengine.com/?p=14647 Major League Baseball’s free agency period kicked off last week as 147 different Major Leaguers around the league saw their contracts expire. Plenty of those players will find new homes over the offseason, looking to make impacts wherever they sign. So, which of these players will be the most hotly-contested assets and the most valuable […]

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Major League Baseball’s free agency period kicked off last week as 147 different Major Leaguers around the league saw their contracts expire.

Plenty of those players will find new homes over the offseason, looking to make impacts wherever they sign. So, which of these players will be the most hotly-contested assets and the most valuable additions? Here is the ranking of our top five.

1. JT Realmuto, Catcher

JT Realmuto has emerged as the best all-around catcher in the game of baseball over the past five seasons. Traded from the Marlins to the Phillies prior to the 2019 season, he continued to produce and put up huge defensive numbers. Realmuto’s 2020 was his best at the plate, as he put up a career-high .349 OBP and hit for a career-high .225 isolated power figure.

Realmuto can do it all, and his importance at baseball’s most demanding position cannot be overstated. Despite the deflated post-COVID-19 market, he’s in line for a multiple-year deal worth a lot of money.

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#phillyloaded

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2. Trevor Bauer, Starting Pitcher

Trevor Bauer is a polarizing figure in the league, using his social media clout to build his own brand and pick fights with everyone from commissioner Rob Manfred to fellow players.

What can’t be denied is that he took a huge step forward in 2020 with the Reds, turning himself into an elite starting pitcher with huge strikeout numbers and a 1.73 ERA. Whether Bauer is more of that type of pitcher or more of the type that saw him post a 4.48 ERA in 2019 is yet to be determined, but the odds-on favorite for NL Cy Young Award is undoubtedly tantalizing.

3. George Springer, Center Fielder

Are you looking for consistently good play in center field and big offensive productions? Plenty of GMs will be this offseason, and no one fits the bill better than long-time Astros outfielder George Springer.

He hasn’t had a bad offensive year since his debut in 2014, ranking sixteenth in home runs and thirty-eighth in OBP among qualified hitters in that stretch. Springer isn’t quite a superstar, but he’s a perennial All-Star caliber player who should continue to produce over the next few seasons. He’ll be in high demand.

Houston Astros center fielder George Springer in 2019. Photo by Albert Pena/CSM/Shutterstock (10215407p)

4. Marcell Ozuna, Left Fielder/DH

Marcell Ozuna is one of the most difficult-to-read players on the free agent list this offseason. His career has been a roller coaster ride, as he burst onto the scene as one of baseball’s top young talents in 2017 before having two decent but not great seasons in St. Louis.

He reminded everyone why he was so heralded in 2020, absolutely crushing the baseball with the Braves after signing a one-year deal. Playing mostly as a DH (something to watch, as his outfield play has worsened in recent years), he crushed 18 home runs (3rd in MLB) and hit .338 as part of Atlanta’s deadly 1-2 punch with Freddie Freeman. He is much like Bauer, but as a position player: can teams count on something resembling a 2020 Ozuna, or will he simply be just an above-average piece?

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To the great fans of the Atlanta Braves, and to my teammates, coaches, front office staff, and club ownership: Thank you. Thank you for accepting me, and for allowing me to play for you in 2020. I am very disappointed that we fell short of our goal of bringing a World Series title to the city of Atlanta. But despite not reaching our ultimate objective, I am proud of what we accomplished together. In this crazy year, you all embraced me and supported me and reinforced that I made the right decision to come play for the Braves. My time in Atlanta this year brought me so much joy and I will remember this season ALWAYS None of us know what the future holds, but I know the future is BIG and BRIGHT. Thank you all. Spanish A los grandes fanáticos de los Bravos de Atlanta, y a mis compañeros de equipo, entrenadores, personal de la oficina principal y propietarios del club: Gracias. Gracias por aceptarme y por permitirme jugar para ustedes en 2020. Estoy muy decepcionado de que no logramos nuestro objetivo de llevar un título de Serie Mundial a la ciudad de Atlanta. Pero a pesar de no alcanzar nuestro objetivo final, estoy orgulloso de lo que logramos juntos. En este año loco, todos me abrazaron y apoyaron y reforzaron que tomé la decisión correcta de venir a jugar para los Bravos. Mi tiempo en Atlanta este año me trajo mucha alegría y recordaré esta temporada SIEMPRE Ninguno de nosotros sabe lo que nos depara el futuro, pero yo sé que el futuro es GRANDE y BRILLANTE. Gracias a todos.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

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5. DJ LeMahieu, Infielder

DJ LeMahieu might be turning 33 next year, but there’s no doubt that the man can hit. In fact, in five of the past six seasons, he has hit over .300 and he took home the MLB batting crown in 2020 on the back of a .364 average.

It remains to be seen recent power surge is more of a product of improvement or playing at hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium, but the team that signs LeMahieu can count on a player who will get on base plenty while providing solid defense at a variety of positions, including first, second, and third base. He’s an ideal top-of-the-lineup hitter and some team will be lucky to have him.

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CC with 3,000 Ks. Incredible moment. #legaCCy

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Trevor Bauer “Open to All Types of Deals” in Free Agency https://sportzbonanza.com/trevor-bauer-open-to-all-types-of-deals-in-free-agency/ Wed, 21 Oct 2020 06:07:03 +0000 https://stagingspb.wpengine.com/?p=14402 Cincinnati Reds’ right-hander Trevor Bauer said on multiple occasions in the past that he is interested in only doing a short-term deal in the future. At the time, Bauer said that this will prevent him from “being in a situation” that may not make him “happy.” However, following a stellar performance in 2020, which made […]

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Cincinnati Reds’ right-hander Trevor Bauer said on multiple occasions in the past that he is interested in only doing a short-term deal in the future. At the time, Bauer said that this will prevent him from “being in a situation” that may not make him “happy.”

However, following a stellar performance in 2020, which made him the frontrunner for this year’s NL Cy Young Award, Bauer changed his opinion.

In order to clarify things, Bauer’s agent Rachel Luba went on Twitter over the weekend and said that her client is “open to and will be considering ALL types of deals.”

Trevor Bauer is set to become a free agent this offseason after signing a 1-year, $17.5 million deal with the organization last year. Bauer posted a 5-4 in 11 starts and finished the season with a 1.74 ERA. He also had 100 strikeouts and two shutouts.

There is a good chance that Reds will want to keep Bauer in Cincinnati, but several other teams in need of a pitcher will try to swoop in. So far, the most likely candidates for the 29-year-old include underachieving Minnesota Twins and New York Mets.

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Reds Acquire Trevor Bauer, Indians Get Yasiel Puig in Blockbuster Three-Team Deal https://sportzbonanza.com/reds-acquire-trevor-bauer-indians-get-yasiel-puig-in-blockbuster-three-team-deal/ Thu, 01 Aug 2019 05:22:32 +0000 https://stagingspb.wpengine.com/?p=8334 After the rumor mill surrounding Trevor Bauer and Yasiel Puig turned for weeks and weeks, Tuesday night saw them move on to new teams in what will go down as one of this year’s biggest moves. The Reds acquired All-Star starting pitcher from the Indians while sending OF Yasiel Puig and LHP Scott Moss to […]

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After the rumor mill surrounding Trevor Bauer and Yasiel Puig turned for weeks and weeks, Tuesday night saw them move on to new teams in what will go down as one of this year’s biggest moves.

The Reds acquired All-Star starting pitcher from the Indians while sending OF Yasiel Puig and LHP Scott Moss to Cleveland.

San Diego contributed prospects to make the deal a fit, sending OF Franmil Reyes, LHP Logan Allen, and 3B Victor Nova to the Indians to complete the trade. In exchange, they have acquired highly-rated OF prospect Taylor Trammel from Cincinnati.

This trade will shake up the baseball landscape, sending two of the game’s biggest and most controversial figures from one Ohio team to another.

Bauer, who was in the news over the weekend after throwing a tantrum and tossing a ball over the outfield wall in Kansas City after a bad outing, heads to a Reds team that believes that his electric arm will help them compete for a playoff spot in 2020.

Meanwhile, Cleveland acquires the talented Puig, who was ironically involved in a bench-clearing brawl in the Reds’ game against the Pirates on Tuesday night before the trade. He’s expected to help their outfield as they compete for the AL Central crown.

This move will almost certainly go down as one of, if not the, biggest swaps at this year’s Trade Deadline.

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