Disgraced star pitcher Trevor Bauer is hoping for a return to MLB in 2024, and he would be very open to joining his former college teammate with the New York Yankees next season.
For the first four seasons of his career, Trevor Bauer was a pitcher who seemed destined to be a back-of-the-rotation player at best. However, in 2016 things finally clicked for him and he proved he had far more talent than some may have realized. Over the next three seasons, he would elevate his role to become Cleveland’s ace and earn All-Star honors for the first and only time in 2018.
Related: Trevor Bauer sues woman who accused him of sexual assault
While many players struggled as the league continued on during the pandemic in 2020, Bauer seemed to excel as he earned Cy Young honors with the Cincinnati Reds. His strong play for five straight years made him one of the top free agents before the 2021 season and helped him to land a massive three-year, $102 million contract from the Los Angeles Dodgers
However, his debut season in LA only lasted 17 starts and his career fell apart after the 32-year-old had serious sexual assault allegations levied on him first by a San Diego woman, then other accusers soon after. While no charges were pressed against him, an investigation by MLB led to a historic 324-game ban for the pitcher.
Once his suspension ended, the Dodgers cut ties with the right hander, and no other team was willing to deal with the public relations first storm that would come with signing him this season. After two years away from the league and a season playing in Japan, Trevor Bauer is again trying to find his way back into MLB. And recently he made a play at joining the New York Yankees.
Related: Disgraced former Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer signs contract with team in Japan
Late last week, Bauer took to his X account to congratulate his Cal teammate Gerrit Cole for winning the American League Cy Young for 2023. When a fan suggested he should join him in New York, the pitcher quickly responded by saying, “Would love to. We did go to the World Series last time we were teammates, after all.”
While it is unclear if the Yankees would consider the move, here are five other teams that could run the risk of signing the star pitcher this winter in MLB free agency.
5 teams that might take a flier on Trevor Bauer in MLB free agency
New York Mets
Before he joined the Dodgers three years ago, the Mets had a great deal of interest in Bauer and he was nearly their first major signing under new owner Steve Cohen. With the team expected to be a little more conservative with their money this winter, but still in need of starting pitching, they could be open to signing him at a discounted rate.
- Trevor Bauer stats (2021): 8-5, 2.59 ERA, 1.003 WHIP, 137 SO, 107.2 IP
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are always looking to stay competitive on a budget. If the one-time All-Star would be open to an affordable one-year prove-it deal on a competitive team, Bauer in MLB Siberia might be a good fit for both sides.
Colorado Rockies
To the surprise of none, the Rockies had a rough pitching season in 2023. With the team always looking for talented arms to keep opposing runs down — especially pitchers with a high strikeout rate — an affordable short-term deal to play in Colorado and be the team’s ace on day one might appeal to Bauer.
Washington Nationals
A low-key organization that needs pitching help but doesn’t have a notable national profile is the Washington Nationals. After another losing season in 2023 and no reason to expect them to be better in 2024, playing a season or two in DC could be a good under-the-radar way for Bauer to quietly fix his reputation in the league.
Texas Rangers
While their offense bludgeoned their way to the franchise’s first championship in October, the Rangers could certainly use more pitching help. Considering the roster and coaching staff that they have, being a small part of a top team could overshadow the PR drawbacks of having Bauer and he could help improve the rotation in a prove-it season as they try to defend their first title.