Reds, Baker closing in on two-year contract extension - MLB

Looking for an update on the negotiations between the Reds and manager Dusty Baker? Here it is.

Baker told John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer on Thursday evening that the sides are “very close” on a two-year extension and that a deal should be finalized before the end of the regular season.

“We’re close,” Baker said. “Very close. We’ve been close for a while.”

Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News reported earlier today that a three-year deal was being discussed, which still may be the case if options are included.

Baker led the Reds to their first playoff appearance and first National League Central title in 15 years this season and is about to reap the reward. That reward being job security.

ST. LOUIS — Miles Mikolas is sticking with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The right-hander signed a three-year, $55.75 million contract on Friday that will carry through the 2025 season.

The new deal replaces a $68 million, four-year contract signed in February 2019 that covered the 2020-23 seasons and was set to pay $15.75 million this year.

Mikolas will receive a $5 million signing bonus payable July 1 and will make $18.75 million in 2023 and $16 million in each of the following two seasons. Mikolas can earn a $250,000 bonus for winning a Cy Young Award, $50,000 for All-Star election or selection or winning a Gold Glove, $100,000 for League Championship Series MVP and $150,000 for World Series MVP.

Mikolas is scheduled to make the second opening-day start of his big league career next Thursday when the Cardinals host Toronto. Mikolas went 12-13 with a 3.29 ERA last season while helping St. Louis to the NL Central title.

“Miles stands among the top pitchers in the game today, and has continued to provide a steady presence for us both in the rotation and inside the clubhouse,” St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said in a statement.

Mikolas is 45-40 with a 3.79 in 143 games with San Diego, Texas and St. Louis. He recently pitched six shutout innings in two appearances for the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic.