It was a matter of time before former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer was given another chance. The only question was which team would do so.
That question has been answered. According to Yuki Yamada of Sankei Sports, Bauer is set to sign with the DeNA BayStars in Nippon Professional Baseball on a one year deal worth $4 million.
Absence may be best for former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer
Bauer was clearly the best pitcher available in free agency once he was released by the Dodgers. However, despite his stature as a possible top of the rotation starter, and someone who could make a difference for a team on the cusp of the postseason, major league teams avoided Bauer like the proverbial plague. His baggage due to his suspension for violating the league’s domestic and the negative reaction he would generate just was not worth it.
The BayStars may be the perfect landing spot for Bauer. He can pitch in a competitive environment and look to show that the time off has not eroded his stuff. Likewise, he will fade away for major league fans, distancing himself further from those incidents. Maybe he can return in the 2023-24 offseason as he hopes to slide under the radar.
But that may not be the case. Bauer could have a strong career in NPB, although he will not make the same amount of money he would stateside. His actions made him completely untouchable for major league teams. In fact, his major league career could be completely done with.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer has a home for 2023. It is possible the rest of his career is spent in Japan.
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