Dodgers: Latest Trevor Bauer update may shed light on contract demands

What will it take for the Dodgers to land Trevor Bauer in free agency?

At this point, the Los Angeles Dodgers are likely prioritizing the return of Justin Turner to put the finishing touches on this offseason, but fans can’t ignore the other blockbuster links that have surfaced over the course of the last three months.

The last remaining one is Trevor Bauer, who is the best pitcher on the market and has yet to sign as he apparently holds out for the best deal possible. However, nobody is sure who is going to give it to him.

Many have labeled the Dodgers as the speculated “favorite” because of the money situation and their need for starting pitching after 2021 and 2022, when Clayton Kershaw and David Price will be free agents. If that’s LA’s plan, the latest update on Bauer may suggest what it’ll take for the front office to make it happen.

First of all, they’re in the race with the Mets, which shouldn’t deter them whatsoever. Mets fans have talked a big game about billionaire Steve Cohen taking over for the Wilpons, but he’s barely spent this offseason, though the Francisco Lindor trade will likely change that narrative once he signs an extension. Then again, their marquee free agency moves have been Trevor May, James McCann and Aaron Loup. No need to be worried until they dole out something bigger than a $40 million contract.

As for the Dodgers, who were believed to be an attractive destination for the right-hander on a short-term deal, it seems that may no longer be possible. According to Jon Heyman, the division-rival San Diego Padres reportedly offer Bauer a contract in the three-to-four-year range and it was swiftly rejected. If the Dodgers are serious about Bauer, it feels like a five-year deal (at minimum) will have to get a deal done. It seems like he’s really trying to cash in on his Cy Young campaign.

Regardless of how you feel about Bauer, the Dodgers giving him a long-term deal isn’t the worst idea for preserving the future of the rotation, especially when you consider nobody except Mookie Betts is guaranteed a contract after the 2022 season. Building around Bauer, Walker Buehler and Dustin May for the next five or so years would help the front office worry less about their starting pitching situation.

At this point, if the Dodgers are truly in on the reigning Cy Young winner, don’t be surprised if it’s going to feature a long-term deal. Gone are the days of Bauer signing a one- or two-year contract with a high AAV. He seems to be going for it all in order to cash in on his recent run likely because of his largely inconsistent career.

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