The Los Angeles Dodgers not only face an array of questions with the start of MLB free agency, but there is also uncertainty surrounding Trevor Bauer and his future with the club.
Bauer signed a record-setting three-year contract with the Dodgers last offseason, but hasn’t thrown a pitch for the team since June 28. MLB placed him on administrative leave at the beginning of July, and it was extended nine times to run through the World Series.
Bauer continued to be paid while on the restricted list, but with the 2021 season having officially concluded, he technically is no longer on leave.
The start of the offseason has also required the 30-year-old to make a decision on his contractural status, and Bauer reportedly will exercise his player option for the 2022 season, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network:
Trevor Bauer will not opt out of his historic contract. That should not surprise anyone under the circumstances. Has $64M to go over 2 years. A decision to opt out also will have resulted in lengthy deferrals.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 3, 2021
At the time of signing with the Dodgers, it was widely presumed Bauer would exercise his option for 2022 and likely decline it come 2023 because of the reduced salary for the final year of the deal.
Bauer electing to remain under contract with the Dodgers next season effectively became more of a guarantee amid the investigation into alleged sexual assault.
Bauer went 8-5 with a 2.59 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 17 starts this year.
Friedman: Dodgers uncertain of Bauer’s future
Although the right-hander has decided to return to the Dodgers next year, whether that becomes a reality is unclear.
MLB is still conducting their investigation and need to speak with Bauer. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are awaiting a resolution on that front.
“It’s no different than where we were in July, August and September,” answered president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman when asked if Bauer would pitch for the Dodgers again.
“From our standpoint, it’s being handled by the league office. As soon as something is decided, obviously we will come down and talk through it extensively with you guys. But until that happens, we have to reserve comment.”
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