Will Trevor Bauer Ever Pitch in MLB Again?
As of August 2023, Trevor Bauer's future in Major League Baseball (MLB) remained uncertain. After his release by the Los Angeles Dodgers in January 2023, he signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). His performance in Japan may significantly influence his potential return to MLB.
The decision to have Bauer pitch in MLB again depends on several factors. These include his performance overseas, any ongoing legal or personal issues, and the interest from MLB teams. Given the complexities surrounding his past controversies, it remains to be seen whether he will return to the league.
Why MLB Won’t Recruit Trevor Bauer
Despite being released by the Dodgers, it seems highly unlikely that Bauer will pitch in MLB again. Trevor Bauer remains a significant public relations challenge for the league. One of the core objectives of MLB is to attract and engage both adult and young women. A toe in the water with Bauer is not feasible given the controversies and the league's need to maintain a positive public image.
Additionally, the return of Trevor Bauer would be highly controversial. The league depends heavily on positive media engagement to grow its popularity. A figure such as Bauer would reignite past bad memories surrounding sexual assault allegations, thereby questioning the league's decision to sign him. Moreover, Bauer's presence could disrupt the league's marketing efforts, as his personal brand generally works against these goals.
The Complexity of Trevor Bauer's Situation
The situation for Bauer's return to MLB is complicated. If it were merely the stigma of his long suspension and the Dodgers' cut, he might still get another chance. However, his track record of alienating everyone from his teammates to the media makes his return more challenging. Before all the controversy, Bauer admitted around 2019 that he was only good at two things: pitching and pissing people off. He even reportedly didn't get along with Gerrit Cole, his college teammate and later Dodgers teammate, who reportedly hated him.
Bauer seems less like a clubhouse candidate and more like someone you'd want on the mound for his pitching skills. However, the pile of negative headlines and past controversies makes it difficult for any team to take a chance on him. Even if a team were willing to overlook his past issues, the long-term implications and public scrutiny associated with signing Bauer make a return to MLB seem improbable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Trevor Bauer's NPB performance could influence his MLB prospects, the complexities of his past controversies and his recent behavior make it highly unlikely that he will pitch in the MLB again. The league has many other players and assets that work better for marketing and growing its popularity. The decision to recruit Bauer would be fraught with difficulties and negative consequences, making his return to the league a distant prospect.