Friday was the deadline for the Los Angeles Dodgers to make a Trevor Bauer decision, which resulted in the team designating him for assignment.
“The Dodgers organization believes that allegations of sexual assault or domestic violence should be thoroughly investigated, with due process given to the accused,” the Dodgers said in a statement.
“From the beginning, we have fully cooperated with Major League Baseball’s investigation and strictly followed the process stipulated under MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Two extensive reviews of all the available evidence in this case – one by Commissioner Manfred and another by a neutral arbitrator – concluded that Mr. Bauer’s actions warranted the longest ever active player suspension in our sport for violations of this policy.
“Now that this process has been completed, and after careful consideration, we have decided that he will no longer be part of our organization.”
Shortly after Bauer was put on administrative leave, it was reported a majority of the Dodgers clubhouse was against the possibility of him ever returning to the team.
More recently, it was reiterated players didn’t want Bauer to return with the Dodgers. However, that was followed by a report indicating some players informed the front office of their desire to have Bauer back.
No Dodgers player ever publicly commented on the matter.
The Dodgers signed Bauer to a three-year, $102 million contract in February 2021. He made just 17 starts before being placed on paid administrative leave amid sexual assault allegations. Reports of two women from Ohio making similar accusations surfaced after that point.
June 28, 2021, wound up being the last time Bauer pitched for the Dodgers. The right-hander finished his brief career with the team at 8-5 with a 2.59 ERA and 1.03 WHIP.
What’s next for Trevor Bauer and the Dodgers?
The Dodgers now have seven days to potentially trade Bauer. If a trade is not worked out, Bauer will be placed on unconditional release waivers and become a free agent January 13 if unclaimed.
Bauer then would have the option to sign with any team as a free agent. He presumably would receive the league minimum ($720,000), which would be deducted from the $22.5 million the Dodgers owe Bauer for the 2023 season.
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