MLB Rumors: Trevor Bauer Sweepstakes Narrows to 2 Teams

Trevor Bauer appears to have narrowed his free-agent market down to two suitors: the Mets and Dodgers

NL Cy Young award winner Trevor Bauer appears to have narrowed his free-agent market down to two suitors: the Mets and Dodgers, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported. Bauer's agent Rachel Luba tweeted Thursday afternoon, "Down to 2." 

Last week, the Mets reportedly offered Bauer a multi-year deal worth less than the record $36 million in average annual salary, which Bauer has said he wants to exceed. The Dodgers have also been interested in Bauer to a short-term deal, though New York has long been considered the frontrunner to sign him.

Mets’ offer is 3 years, believed to be close to $100M. Ed Coleman of @WFAN660 reported 3 years, about $90M. Offer is even a bit higher. Opt-out likely after 1, as Ed said.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 4, 2021

Bauer's sweepstakes began two years ago when he told Sports Illustrated for a profile that he would sign only one-year deals. The iconoclastic right-hander was still pitching for Cleveland, with two seasons left before entering free agency, but he was already mapping out how he intended on altering the fabric of MLB free agency.

New Mets owner Steve Cohen has committed to spending money to improve the roster. Last week, they traded left-hander Steven Matz to the Blue Jays, which shed some salary and opened up a spot in the rotation for Bauer. 

Last season with the Reds, Bauer went 5-4 with a 1.73 ERA and 100 strikeouts over 73 innings.

Keep up with the latest news and rumors around MLB:

• Cleveland officially announced it signed Eddie Rosario to a one-year deal. (Mark Feinsand, MLB.com)
  
• The Phillies and Cardinals are searching for free agent pitchers, with Jake Odorizzi, James Paxton and Taijuan Walker among their top targets. (Mark Feinsand, MLB.com)
• The Rays, Brewers and Mets are among the teams reportedly interested in left-handed pitcher Rich Hill. (Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay Times)
• The Brewers are still interested in third baseman Justin Turner, though the Dodgers are considered the favorites to re-sign the 36-year-old. (Robert Murray, FanSided)