Reports: Bailey, Reds agree on long-term deal

Credit: Joe Robbins

Credit: Joe Robbins

Homer Bailey reportedly missed a flight to Florida Wednesday morning for a scheduled arbitration hearing, but it is more likely he missed the flight because he won’t be making an arbitration hearing.

Several media outlets are reporting that the deal is done, a six-year $105 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds. The also reportedly has a club option for a seventh year at $25 million with a $5 million buyout. The club is not acknowledging that all the I’s and t’s are dotted and crossed and said they hoped to make an announcement Thursday.

In fact, Bailey’s agent, who also represents Derek Jeter, is in Tampa and said the contract has not been signed. And Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said it hasn’t been signed. Bailey did sign a contract Wednesday — with the Topps baseball card company.

Instead of flying to Tampa, Bailey put on his uniform and worked out with the team Wednesday.

Bailey has a 49-45 lifetime record with a 4.25 ERA in 143 starts since making his big league debut in 2007 when he was 19.

But over the last three seasons he is 33-29 record with a 3.79 ERA with two no-hitters in the last two years. After throwing his second no-hitter last year Bailey smiled and said, “Just means more money.” Indeed, it certainly did.

In 32 starts last season he was 11-12 with a 3.49 ERA in 32 starts. He had a career best 209 innings and a career- best 199 strikeouts.

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