Trevor Bauer is making a return to professional baseball, this time with the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League. The 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner is set to pitch for the team this season.
“I’m really looking forward to competing in front of American fans again,” Bauer stated. He expressed enthusiasm about the Ducks’ roster, noting the strong players in the organization and his excitement to join that legacy.
Some notable former players associated with the Ducks include Dontrell Willis, Daniel Murphy, Rich Hill, and Eric Gagne. The team has a rich history, having been managed by New York Mets legends Gary Carter and Bud Harrelson, who is also a co-owner.
Bauer is scheduled to take the mound for the Ducks’ first game on April 21. In a unique move, he will be mic’d up during games and practices to create content for social media platforms.
The Ducks’ President, Michael Pfaff, expressed that they are excited to welcome Bauer and believe his skills and experience will significantly enhance the team. He also mentioned that this arrangement allows fans unprecedented access to Ducks baseball.
Bauer hasn’t played in the MLB since 2021, a season in which he was still the reigning Cy Young Award winner. He pitched six innings in his last game, striking out eight, but soon after, he faced serious allegations which led to a lengthy suspension for violating league policies. His initial suspension was for 324 games but was later reduced to 184.
After his suspension, he pitched in Japan in 2023 and had plans for a stint in Mexico in 2024. His performance in Japan was decent, with a 2.59 ERA and 9.2 strikeouts per game, although he saw mixed results thereafter.
Bauer indicated that if he remained sidelined from the MLB, he might have to take legal action. He has openly stated that he is willing to play at any level in the league but hasn’t yet secured a contract with an MLB team.
Reflecting on his past, Bauer conveyed a desire to improve and serve as a role model for others, saying he hopes to illustrate that everyone can learn from their mistakes and grow. He continues to assert his innocence concerning the allegations against him, and there have been legal developments related to his accusers. One accuser was recently sentenced for fraud for lying about her situation involving Bauer.
In addition, Bauer has been vocal about MLB’s decisions regarding other players who have faced disqualification, questioning whether the same leniency would apply to him.
Considering his previous performance while with the Dodgers—he had a solid 2.59 ERA—Bauer’s return is generating quite a bit of conversation and anticipation among fans and players alike.
