Homer Bailey in action on July 2, 2006 at Bell South Park (now AT&T Field).
photo by Tim Evearitt
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Reds pitcher Homer Bailey will definitely be part of the team's rotation for the long haul. He and the club avoided arbitration Wednesday by agreeing to a six-year, $105 million contract, a source told MLB.com.
Bailey joined the Lookouts in 2006 after just 13 games with Class-A Sarasota where he won seven games, lost just one, and had a 1.59 ERA in 13 games. Additionally, in 68 innings, he struck out 77 batters. Bailey averaged in excess of 10 strikeouts per nine innings while with each of his last three minor league teams.
The deal comes with a mutual option for a seventh year worth $25 million with a $5 million buyout.
The Reds have not announced the agreement. "Not yet," general manager Walt Jocketty said when asked if the deal was done. "Hopefully by [Thursday] morning."
Bailey's arbitration hearing was scheduled to be held Thursday in Tampa, Fla.
A 27-year-old power right-hander, Bailey has a 49-45 lifetime record with a 4.25 ERA in 143 starts since making his big league debut in 2007.
Bailey has a combined 33-29 record with a 3.79 ERA over the past three seasons, and in 549 innings during that time, he has had a 3.4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a 1.21 WHIP and 105 ERA+. He's also thrown two no-hitters --- against the Pirates on Sept. 28, 2012, and against the Giants on July 2, 2013.
In 32 starts last season, Bailey was 11-12 with a career-best 3.49 ERA in 32 starts last season. He also achieved career bests in innings (209) and strikeouts (199).
---- Source: MLB.com
Bailey pitching in Spring Training.
photo by Tim Evearitt