Bauer: I want to play for WS contender; market size, geography don't matter

Free-agent ace Trevor Bauer is making winning a championship one of his priorities during his search for a new contract.

"I want a chance to be in the postseason every year. I want a chance to be in the World Series. I want to be on a team that's dedicated to going for that," Bauer said Sunday on YouTube. "Not just trying to make the postseason, but trying to win the whole thing. So, when it comes down to the trade deadline, they're going to go out there and make the team better. When it comes down to the offseason, they want to go out there and get the talent."

Bauer is also focused on his happiness, partnership with the team, and the possibility of pitching every fourth day.

The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner acknowledged that market size and geography aren't deciding factors in where he plays next season and beyond.

"I've been in big media markets, and I've been in small media markets at times in my life," Bauer said. "I grew up in Los Angeles, obviously a big media market. I played for many years in Cleveland and Cincinnati - smaller media markets. ... I've traveled all over the world. I'm comfortable in a lot of different geographies.

In late December, a report surfaced that said the 29-year-old was seeking a five- or six-year contract with an average annual value between $36 million and $40 million. However, he called the rumor "fake news" on Twitter.

The New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays are among multiple clubs that have reportedly been connected to Bauer.

The former All-Star led the NL in ERA (1.73), WHIP (0.79), complete games (two), and shutouts (two) while recording 100 strikeouts to only 17 walks for the Cincinnati Reds last season.