Trevor Bauer wins NL Cy Young as Ohio sweeps award

Whoever acquires Trevor Bauer is in for a treat

Bauer is the top free agent pitcher on the market — one which he’ll set whenever he opts to sign. The outspoken pitcher has hinted at signing with just about every MLB team on Twitter, perhaps jokingly. He knows this is his time to earn a once-in-a-career payday, and he’s making the most of it.

In his second season with the Reds, Bauer posted an impressive statline, going 5-4 with a 1.73 ERA and 100 strikeouts. Shortened season or not, Bauer left his mark. Most impressive was the increased spin rate on many of his pitches, something that should stick with him regardless of his next destination.

Where will Bauer take his talents next?

It’s extremely rare for a Cy Young winner to hit the free agent market in the same year. Bauer was already bound to reset the market, but winning such a prestigious award should up the ante slightly.

Bauer has come a long way from his most recent playoff failure, the now-infamous drone incident, which was followed up in recent seasons by a complete meltdown against the Kansas City Royals. Sometimes, a change of scenery is exactly what a talent like Bauer needs, and the trade to the Reds has proven just that. Since coming to Cincinnati, Bauer has helped transform the Reds rotation into one of the best in baseball. The Reds made the playoffs last year before being ousted by the Braves.

Surely, Bauer will have a tweet to match his new accomplishment.