"I’d sign Trevor Bauer" - Ex-Reds shortstop believes Cy Young Award winner could bolster playoff hopes amid Hunter Greene's injury
Former All-Star infielder Zack Cozart feels the Cincinnati Reds should try to bring Trevor Bauer into the ballclub following the injury to their leading starting pitcher Hunter Greene this weekend. Cozart believes the 2020 Cy Young Award winner could replace Greene until he returns, bolstering the Reds' slim chances of reaching the postseason with both pitchers in the starting rotation.
The Reds moved Hunter Greene to the 15-Day IL on Saturday due to soreness in his right elbow. The 24-year-old flamethrower was enjoying the best season of his short MLB career in 2024. Greene has a 9-4 record with a 2.83 ERA and a 1.019 WHIP, striking out 163 batters in 143.1 innings, setting personal best marks.
Meanwhile, Zack Cozart, who had a nine-year spell in the major leagues and played the first seven in Cincinnati, tweeted following the injury to the Reds starting pitcher on Sunday:
"If I were the Reds right now because of the Hunter news, I’d sign Trevor Bauer and when Hunter comes back could have a chance."
Despite his willingness to sign for minimum wage, MLB teams passed over Trevor Bauer at the trade deadline, leaving him attached to Diablos Rojos del México in the Mexican League. Bauer played two years for the Cinicinnati Reds from 2019-20.
Meanwhile, the Reds are fourth in the National League Central with a 60-63 record. They have an 11-game deficit in the division but are just five games behind the final spot in the Wild Card race.
IL stint a damaging blow for Hunter Greene's Cy Young Award aspirations
Greene earned his first selection to the All-Star team earlier this year and is in the reckoning to receive Cy Young Award votes at the end of the season. He stayed healthy and consistent throughout the season but could drop down the pecking order following his latest injury.
Hunter Greene has accumulated 5.3 bWAR for the season, putting him in the top 10 among MLB players this season. Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers is the only other pitcher on the list. Therefore, Greene has the highest bWAR among all pitchers in the NL.