Former Dodgers Pitcher Trevor Bauer Signing With Japanese Team

It's been 21 months since Trevor Bauer's last MLB game.

Trevor Bauer, a former pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, and the Cleveland Guardians, has signed a one-year contract with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, according to Yuki Yamada of Sankei Sports.

The deal is worth $4 million, with performance-based incentives, pending a physical examination.

Former Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer is finalizing a one-year contract with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan, sources tell ESPN. Bauer was released by the Dodgers and went unsigned by MLB teams after serving a record domestic-violence suspension. Deal will be official tonight.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 13, 2023

Bauer's MLB career has been in limbo since he was suspended under the joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy of the MLB and MLBPA. He was accused of sexual assault by three women, and while he has maintained his innocence, the Dodgers released him in January 2023 after he became eligible for reinstatement following a reduction in his suspension.

Bauer had been the subject of scrutiny and controversy for some time, and it appears that he received no interest from any other MLB teams before signing with Yokohama DeNA BayStars.

Trevor Bauer is signing with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization in Japan, per @YamadaSANSPO

The contract is for one year and $4 million plus incentives pic.twitter.com/snHhFgUINX

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 13, 2023

It will have been 21 months since Bauer's last MLB game when he begins playing for Yokohama DeNA BayStars in April 2023, and it's possible that he may explore his options in the US after the 2023 season.

However, his MLB playing days may be over for good. Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports