Homer Bailey To Remain A Cincinnati Red

Sep 27, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Homer Bailey throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Amidst the Winter Meetings this year rumors trickled out that Homer Bailey may be available to be traded. Not a shocking rumor to Reds fans as Bailey only has one year left on his contract. A trade could result in a good position player for the Reds. There is one problem with the scenario though.

Cincinnati is worried about their depth at the starting pitcher position. The Reds are very likely losing veteran Bronson Arroyo unless he agrees to a one-year deal with Cincinnati. Tony Cingrani is slated to take over Arroyo’s spot in the rotation, that is a little concerning considering Cingrani spent substantial time on the DL last season.

Homer has been great for the Reds the last two seasons, if it wasn’t for lack of run support he would be known for more than just his two no hitters. With an 11-12 record last season and a 3.49 ERA Homer was very stout. But again if he had some run support and we all know the Reds had an offensive outage last season Homer would have been near the top of the National League in wins.

Walt Jocketty and team know that come the 2014 offseason they are going to have to open their checkbooks for Homer who will be a free agent. He could very well leave if he feels that Cincinnati is offering him under what he could get else where. That would pose a major problem for the Reds.

Until then though Homer will remain a Red for the 2014 season. Also Arroyo has narrowed his list of suitors down to 4 teams, two being the Reds and the Minnesota Twins while the other two are unknown. If Arroyo stays the Reds rotation will be solid as it was in 2013.