Aaron Doster/Associated Press

Video: Trevor Bauer Explains How He'll Make Free-Agency Decision Amid Rumors

Scott Polacek

Trevor Bauer is arguably the biggest prize on the free-agency market this offseason, and the pitcher sat down and explained what he is looking for from potential destinations during a YouTube video titled "Making My Free Agency Decision."

"I wanted to sit here and tell you directly from me what's going to go into making my decision," he said.

Bauer explained he wants a "partnership" with his team and is not concerned with factors such as geography or the size of the media market. He pointed out he enjoyed his experience in the smaller markets of Cleveland and Cincinnati but grew up in the Los Angeles area so is comfortable in plenty of situations.

The 2020 National League Cy Young winner then provided a list of what he is looking for and said, "I want to be happy. I've spent a lot of time in my life being unhappy as a person, as a baseball player, as a teammate." 

Part of him being happy includes signing with a team that accepts his training regimen and data-driven approach. He also wants the team to be fine with his vlogging and showing fans behind-the-scenes looks during the season.

Bauer is also looking for "open discussion" about pitching every fourth day instead of the traditional fifth day and pointed to his data collection indicating he is better on shorter rest. He said he appreciated the Cincinnati Reds at least having those discussions with him.

He also said he wants to win a World Series and enjoys pitching in pressure-packed scenarios.

"My career's too short to be part of a rebuilding window," Bauer said.

Money will also play a factor, as he explained it would be "disingenuous" if he didn't mention that, "I want to be fairly compensated for the value I bring."

He should command plenty of it considering he won the Cy Young last year for the Reds with a 1.73 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 100 strikeouts in 73 innings and is just 29 years old and seemingly in the middle of his prime.

Whichever team signs him will immediately have a better chance of accomplishing his goal of winning a World Series.

   

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