It’s been nearly four years since former Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer last threw an MLB pitch. The Los Angeles Dodgers released Bauer in January 2023, nearly a year after he received a two-season suspension for violating the league’s domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy. A San Diego woman accused Bauer of physically and sexually assaulting her. Major League Baseball placed Bauer on administrative leave in July 2021. According to ESPN, Bauer was never charged, and the woman who made the accusation later settled the legal dispute.
Now 34, Bauer has spent the last two seasons pitching in Japan and Mexico. If a return to the United States is on the horizon, the New York Mets should immediately call Bauer. Bauer makes sense for the Mets amid questions regarding their rotation as veteran starter Frankie Montas is out indefinitely with a high-grade lat problem.
The Mets have been actively exploring ways to reinforce their starting rotation, with manager Carlos Mendoza expressing concern over the team’s depth and have been experimenting with ex-Yankees All-star closer Clay Holmes as a starter, and injuries limited Kodai Senga to a single appearance last year.
Bauer, despite the controversy surrounding his past, has demonstrated that he remains a high-caliber pitcher. In his time overseas, he posted impressive numbers, showing he still has the velocity and command that made him a Cy Young winner. During his tenure with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan, Bauer finished the 2023 season with a 10-4 record, a 2.76 ERA, and 130 strikeouts in 130.2 innings. His dominance on the mound suggests that he could still be a valuable asset to a major league team in need of pitching reinforcements.
While signing Bauer would bring undeniable talent to the Mets’ rotation, the decision would not come without scrutiny. His past legal troubles and suspension have made him a polarizing figure in the baseball community. However, for a Mets team looking to contend in a competitive NL East, adding a pitcher of Bauer’s caliber could provide the boost they need to stay competitive against division rivals like the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.
From a baseball perspective, Bauer’s potential impact on the Mets’ rotation could be significant. His ability to eat innings and provide quality starts would alleviate pressure on a bullpen that has been overworked in recent seasons. Furthermore, pairing him with Senga and Quintana, once healthy, could give the Mets a formidable trio at the top of their rotation.
However, the Mets’ front office must weigh the potential backlash from fans and the media. Bauer’s signing would undoubtedly draw attention, and the organization must be prepared to handle the public relations aspect of such a move. If the Mets do decide to proceed, it is likely that they will structure the contract in a way that minimizes risk, potentially including performance-based incentives and a short-term deal.
As the Mets evaluate their options, Bauer’s name continues to be a topic of discussion. Whether or not the team ultimately decides to sign him, the mere consideration of bringing him back to Major League Baseball signals the urgency with which they are addressing their pitching concerns. If Bauer does return, his performance on the mound will ultimately determine whether the risk was worth the reward.
For now, the baseball world watches and waits as David Stearns and the Mets front office deliberate their next move.
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