Report: Bauer's strained relationship with Callaway makes Angels poor fit
The Los Angeles Angels might not be an option for Trevor Bauer.
The free-agent ace isn't a great fit with the Angels, even if the team were to offer him a record-setting annual salary, a source told Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times.
Bauer's relationship with Angels pitching coach Mickey Callaway is believed to be irreparable, according to Torres.
The reigning NL Cy Young winner worked with Callaway from 2013-2017 while with the Cleveland Indians. The two reportedly did not get along because Bauer used training techniques that clashed with Callaway's style, which wasn't heavy on analytics.
Another issue could be the Angels' proximity to the $210-million luxury-tax threshold. Owner Arte Moreno has never spent more than $194 million on player salaries, Torres adds. Los Angeles currently sits at $186.5 million.
Bauer, who's from California and pitched for UCLA, said earlier in January that geography and market size won't impact his free-agent decision. The 30-year-old wants to play for a team that allows him to prepare for starts in a progressive, data-based fashion.
The New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers have also reportedly expressed interest in the former All-Star throughout the offseason.