Bleeding Cincy Red

I don’t like writing posts about why players should be released, especially players that are on the Cincinnati Reds active roster. And especially when it’s a guy who’s thrown two no hitters for them after rising through Cincy’s farm system. I want all Reds to be all stars and super productive role players…but here we are. The Cincinnati Reds should release Homer Bailey, and they should do it as soon as Anthony DeSclafani is ready to join the rotation.

The Reds shouldn’t ship Romano or Mahle down to AAA, and they shouldn’t move Bailey to the bullpen. The Homer Bailey dream is over; it’s time to wake up and move on with the rebuild.

Reason #1: Homer isn’t part of the Reds future

When the Reds picked Homer (over Cueto, Leake, Simon, and Latos) as the future ace of the staff, they had the best of intentions–and there was still plenty of promise left in his arm. But facts are facts: Bailey is a 32-year-old pitcher who hasn’t had a sub-4 ERA since 2014. And his mega-contract is up next year.

Reason #2: Homer isn’t part of the Reds present

When Homer started off with 3 quality starts in his first 4 games, I’m sure there were few cheering as much as I was. I thought it was smart of the Reds to bring him back and see if they could recoup some value. But Bailey’s now sitting on a 6.11 ERA and 1.60 WHIP (which is sadly his best since 2014). In other words, he’s the worst active pitcher on the staff, whether you’re talking rotation or bullpen.

Reason #3: Homer has no trade value for the Reds

Part of the logic of trading Mesoraco to the Mets for Harvey was to try and flip Harvey for an asset or two at the trade deadline. So far, Harvey has shown some promise that he might be able to provide that sort of value. However, it’s hard to see any scenario in which Homer can turn things around and make sense as part of a trade. He’s failed to make it 6 IPs in any start this past month and has been consistently trending in the wrong direction.

Reason #4: Homer has no place in the rotation (once Disco joins the club)

Once Anthony DeSclafani re-joins the Cincinnati Reds active roster, there will be no place for Homer in the rotation. Besides Disco, there will be Harvey–and it makes no sense to delay the development of Castillo, Mahle, and Romano for a 32-year-old who makes Yovani Gallardo’s past two seasons look pretty sweet. No, seriously, compare their numbers; it’s not even close.

Reason #5: Homer has no place in the bullpen

Some folks have mentioned Homer might have a place in the bullpen if he no longer fits in rotation, but I don’t agree. Michael Lorenzen is about to join the Cincinnati Reds active roster in the bullpen, and my best guess is that he’ll knock Jackson Stephens down to AAA. Totally makes sense. But then, who would you ship out of the bullpen next? Wandy Peralta? Austin Brice? I’d rather see both of those guys in the 6th and 7th innings than Homer. And what would be the point? Is Homer going to rehab his value as a Gallardo-lite reliever? It’s hard to fathom.

Reason #6: Two wrongs do NOT make a right

I know many people will cite Bailey’s contract as a reason the Reds can’t possibly (ever, for any reason) cut him. But here’s the thing: Homer is getting paid regardless, and he’s not adding anything of value to the Reds regardless. But if they keep him on the active roster, it means someone who could contribute will not be on the roster. And I was always taught that two wrongs do not make a right.

At least, this is what I think. What do you think?

Share your thoughts on our Twitter @BleedinCincyRed …

…and listen to our Best Case/Worst Case podcast for Homer Bailey (just to see that we had high hopes, if not high expectations, for Homer headed into the season).