Report: Homer Bailey And Cincinnati Reds Close To $100M Deal

Feb 15, 2014; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Homer Bailey throws during team workouts on the practice fields of Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

A report from the Cincinnati Enquire and Cleveland Plain Dealer writer Paul Hoynes seems to indicat the Cincinnati Reds and pitcher Homer Bailey are close on a 6 year $100M deal that would keep Bailey in Cincinnati through the 2019 season.

It has been no secret the Reds and Bailey have been working on a long term deal, what has been secret is how much and for how long. Now we know the answer, the deal though falls in line with about every other pitcher who is a solid #2 in the rotation.

The Reds are looking to avoid arbitration with Bailey, a one year deal and then allowing him to test the free agency market next off season is not something the Reds want. Arbitration for the 2014 season has Bailey asking for $11.6M while the Reds countered with $8.6M. The reported deal will give Bailey $16.7M a season, nearly double what the Reds want to pay him a season in arbitration.

Why sign him now though? Easy, if Bailey has an outstanding 2014 season, wins 17-20 games, has a 3.0ERA, his stock immediately skyrockets. If that were to happen the Reds wouldn’t be able to afford him, take him now while you can. Also he has two no-hitters on his record, that drives his stock up already.

If this deal is true it is a good deal for the Reds. It keeps a solid young pitcher in the rotation for years to come and keeps the fans happy knowing the club does care about the team. Stay tuned for developments.