The Cincinnati Reds have locked down their ace, signing right-hander Homer Bailey to a 6-year $105 million extension. The deal includes a mutual option for a seventh year at $25 million or a $5 million buyout. The deal allows the two sides to avoid arbitration, and Bailey could have been a free agent next off-season.
The 27-year-old Bailey is 49-45 in his career with a 4.25 ERA, and 1.32 WHIP. He was just 11-12 last year, but could have had a lot better record if he merely got some more run support. Bailey had a 3.49 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, while setting career highs in innings pitched (209) and strikeouts (199) with just 54 walks last season. He also threw his second no-hitter in as many seasons. Bailey is just the third pitcher in Reds history to throw two no-hitters, joining Johnny Vander Meer and Jim Maloney.
With Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, Mike Leake, left-hander Tony Cingrani and Bailey, the Reds have a strong rotation that can be kept together for several years. The team finished 3rd in the National League with a 3.43 ERA from its rotation last season. While Bronson Arroyo has left, the core of the staff remains.
“You look at that rotation right there, I wouldn’t mind any of those guys being here long term, would you?” manager Bryan Price said this week. “Five guys between 24 and 28 years old. I’m not scratching my head wondering about any of those guys, if they’re going to be good long term.
“That’s a great group right there. If we had Homer long term, I’d be really excited about that.”
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Main Photo Credit: Gene J. Puskar
