Trevor Bauer is set to return to Mexico, highlighting Major League Baseball’s continued reluctance to bring him back despite his pitching prowess. After impressively performing in the Atlantic League with the Long Island Ducks, where he set franchise strikeout records and achieved a seven-inning no-hitter, the 35-year-old pitcher has re-signed with the Diablos Rojos.
Bauer’s return to the team follows his standout 10-0 record in a dominant 2024 season. His move is not due to a lack of ability but a lack of opportunities in the major leagues. During his time with the Ducks, Bauer maintained a 5-1 record, achieved a 2.36 ERA, and struck out 66 batters with just seven walks over 42 innings.
Trevor Bauer, starting for the Long Island Ducks, threw a no-hitter in his second U.S. appearance since 2021.
The 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner isn’t migrating south due to diminishing skills. Bauer remains sidelined from Major League Baseball after a suspension that changed his career. Initially, Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a 324-game suspension, later reduced to 192 games by an independent arbitrator. Due to this, Bauer forfeited approximately $37.5 million from his $102 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers released him, opting to pay the contract’s balance without his active participation. The situation arose after allegations by Lindsey Hill. While the accusations initially dominated media coverage, perceptions shifted following new evidence. Bauer faced no criminal charges, and text messages revealed Hill’s discussions of targeting a wealthy athlete financially.
Their legal issues concluded with a no-payment settlement. Despite resolving the legal case, Bauer’s return to MLB remains elusive. Major league teams persist in allocating crucial pitching innings to struggling players, claiming to pursue victory ardently, though Bauer last played major league baseball in 2021 with the Dodgers.
Bauer has actively worked to regain his standing, with achievements in Japan, dominance in Mexico, and a strong performance with Long Island. Nonetheless, his journey continues in Mexico City, with Major League Baseball still out of reach.