Free-agent right-handed Trevor Bauer has declined the Cincinnati Reds’ $ 18.9 million qualifying offer for the 2021 season, agent Rachel Luba shared on Twitter.
Luba, however said Bauer remains open to discuss a return to Cincinnati and “all other interested teams through Free Agency”.
The 29-year-old Bauer, who went 5-4 in 11 starts this season with 1.73 ERA and is a finalist for the National League’s Cy Young Award, was one of six Major League Baseball players to receive the qualifying offer.
His salary in 2020 was $ 17.5 million.
If Bauer signs with another team, the Reds will receive draft-pick compensation in the 2021 draft.
Players have until November 11th to decide whether to accept the qualifying offer.
For nine seasons, Bauer is 75-64 with an ERA of 3.90. In 2011 he was drawn in 3rd place overall by the Diamondbacks. In 2012 he was traded to Cleveland in a three-team deal and spent seven seasons with the Indians before being traded to the Reds in 2019.
Kiley McDaniel from ESPN ranks Bauer as the top pitcher and No. 4 total players available this offseason in free agency.