Report: Reds, Homer Bailey far apart in contract extension talks
Homer Bailey may hit free agency at the end of the 2014 season. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
There's an "enormous gap" between what Homey Bailey wants and what the Cincinnati Reds are offering, per ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.
The 27-year-old pitcher filed for $11.6 million in salary arbitration last month, and the Reds countered with $8.7 million. Bailey made $5.35 million last summer.
In 32 starts last year, Bailey had his career-best for innings pitched (209), ERA (3.49), WHIP (1.12), strikeout rate (8.6 K/9), strikeout-to-walk rate (3.69) and WAR (3.2). He has also thrown two no-hitters in his last 34 starts.
In mid-January, Bailey expressed interest in remaining with the Reds, denying multiple reports that he wanted out of Cincinnati, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. From the report:
“To say that I 'want out of Cincinnati' is not true,” said Bailey. “I have nothing but good things to say about ownership and management, and I hold a great relationship with the coaching staff.
“If I am in the organization's future, my priorities are that things make sense for me on the business end, that we are a team that continues to be a highly competitive team in the league and a team that plays the game the right way.
https://twitter.com/jcrasnick/status/432223051262853120