How a shortened 2020 season could affect Trevor Bauer, Cincinnati Reds' free agents

Austin Hendrick, one of the top prep power hitters, was the No. 12 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Cincinnati Enquirer

When the Cincinnati Reds completed their trade for Trevor Bauer at last year’s Trade Deadline, it was a move designed to bolster the rotation for the 2020 season.

The Reds had a 49-56 record at the time of the trade and were 6 ½ games out of a playoff spot. They saw it as an opportunity to add a top-tier pitcher prior to their offseason spending spree.

What nobody could predict was a pandemic shutting down most of the season. In a 60-game schedule, starting pitchers are slated to make about 12 starts and throw 70-80 innings. There’s no…