The Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t face a significant need for starting pitching last offseason but were aggressive in adding to their roster by signing Trevor Bauer as they looked to repeat as World Series champions.
Bauer was coming off a strong 2020 campaign that saw him win a first career National League Cy Young Award. The right-hander took an unconventional approach to free agency and it aligned with the Dodgers being willing to offer a higher annual salary for a short-term contract.
Bauer wound up signing with the Dodgers over the New York Mets, receiving a three-year, $102 million contract.
He slot into the Dodgers rotation behind Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler, and went 3-1 with a 2.48 ERA over six starts in the first month of the regular season. Bauer then posted a 1.98 ERA in six outing during May, suffered consecutive losses to start June, and never pitched again after that month.
Shortly before taking the mound at Dodger Stadium on June 28, it was reported a San Diego woman obtained a temporary restraining order against Bauer over two alleged sexual assault incidents. He held the San Francisco Giants to just two runs and collected eight strikeouts in a key win for the Dodgers.
MLB placed Bauer on administrative leave days later and extended it each week through the playoffs. The Pasadena Police Department has long turned over their findings to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, who has yet to decide if charges will be filed.
Even if the DA declines to press chargers, Bauer is still expected to receive some form of punishment from MLB.
Bauer finished the year 8-5 with a 2.59 ERA, 4.03 FIP and 1.00 WHIP over 17 starts.
Bauer’s 2021 highlight
Bauer’s first experience in the Dodgers-Giants rivalry produced 11 strikeouts and 126 pitches — both of which were career highs — over 6.1 innings at Oracle Park. The Dodgers hung on for a 2-1 victory and Bauer enjoyed being booed by fans as he walked off the field.
2022 outlook
Bauer’s future with the Dodgers is clouded by uncertainty, and the team has been reluctant to comment on his status until MLB concludes their investigation. Bauer did exercise his player option to remain under contract with the team for 2022.
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