The last time Bauer was on the mound, he seemed to be at the top of his game. By the summer of 2021, the talent that made him a first-round draft pick and the curiosities that unlocked cutting-edge training had come to an end. A legitimate ace on one of the sport's most celebrated pitching staffs, he was a reigning Cy Young Award winner who stood among his profession's topearning and best performers. Everything was different after that.
It's reasonable to wonder if Bauer's major league career is over.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have decided not to keep Bauer with their organization. Two weeks after his suspension under Major League Baseball's domestic- violence policy was reduced, Bauer was designated for assignment by the team. Bauer will become a free agent next week. If another team signs Bauer for the minimum, the Dodgers will save $720,000 and be on the hook for $22.50 million. Will any team be able to do it?
It can be summarized with one sentence, "unlikely, but not impossible."
In an effort to gauge Bauer's potential free agent market, about two dozen agents and front-office executives were surveyed over the past month. The text message that the rival general manager sent on the night of December 22 was the most common response.
The GM didn't think anyone would sign him.
Bauer's punishment was reduced by 40%, but the arbiter who spent eight months reviewing findings and hearing testimony still ruled that he deserved the longest suspension under the domestic violence, sexual assault and child-abuse policy.
The first player with more than one publicly known accuser is Bauer. The San Diego woman who triggered MLB's investigation is one of three women who have made similar allegations to the Washington Post.
An agent said nobody is touching that guy. It's not a chance.
The possibility was raised by a few of the agents and executives who spoke with us recently. Bauer has a healthy arm and a distinguished track record. At a time when free-agent contracts are through the roof, and dependable, upper-echelon starting pitchers are more rare than ever, Bauer can be had for the major-league minimum salary.
There will be teams that will be interested.
The front-office executive said that some teams would just take the arm and deal with the blowback later.
Less than three months after Roberto Osuna was arrested for assault against the mother of his child, Jeff Luhnow's Astros acquired the closer from Toronto. Even though more than two dozen women have filed lawsuits against Deshaun, he was signed to a record contract by the ClevelandBrowns. Professional sports is filled with examples of talent.
One executive said that Bauer would bring a unique challenge to a new employer. Bauer hasn't shown an ounce of contrition throughout this process, so it isn't just the stain on an organization's reputation or the backlash from its fans, it's also that Bauer hasn't shown an ounce of contrition. He has taken a different approach.
"You have to walk him through the reclamation tour if you sign someone with that baggage," one agent said. He's not coachable for that.
Bauer's response to the arbiter's ruling was short and to the point.
The 2023 season Vlog is going to be π₯π₯! Can't wait to see y'all out at a stadium soon!
β Trevor Bauer (γγ¬γγΌγ»γγ¦γ’γΌ) (@BauerOutage) December 23, 2022
It was an example of the way Bauer has dealt with the sexual assault allegations that have been levied against him, reminding him that he does not feel obligated to apologize or account for his actions. An uncertain major league future for a man who doesn't believe it should be in question is what it hints at.
Bauer's length Suspensions of Bauer's length are exceedingly rare in the 56 year history of the MLBPA, which gave players an avenue to fight the lifetime bans that were frequently handed out in earlier decades.
Two years after receiving a permanent ban for multiple positive PED tests, Jenrry Mejia was restored to his previous status. Bauer became one of only three active players in the last 50 years to be handed suspensions that exceeded a full season.
The history Bauer is dealing with is that.
Prospective partners would have to think about that history.
It doesn't seem likely that anyone would take the risk.
It takes a single team.
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