The Cincinnati Reds extended a one-year, $18.9 million qualifying offer to Trevor Bauer on Sunday, a formality for the top pitcher on the free-agent market. The Reds will receive draft pick compensation if he signs elsewhere.
Bauer is certain to decline the qualifying offer, but he must make his decision by Nov. 11. He's expected to draw interest from many contenders who want to add the Cy Young favorite to their starting rotation.
It's just the first step of the free agency process for Bauer, who is expected to challenge catcher JT Realmuto and center fielder George Springer for the largest annual salary this offseason.