The Los Angeles Dodgers sent shockwaves throughout the sport for a second consecutive February, this time by agreeing to sign Trevor Bauer to a three-year contract worth a reported $102 million. The top free-agent starting pitcher chose L.A. over fellow finalists New York Mets.
Bauer’s deal includes an opt-out clause after both this season and 2022. His $40 million salary for 2021 breaks an MLB record as the highest-paid player, and should Bauer remain with the Dodgers next year, his $45 million earnings will set a new benchmark.
Reports of Bauer agreeing to terms with the Dodgers came after several indications the Mets were the favorites. Nearly simultaneous to Jon Heyman breaking the news, Bauer released a video confirming his decision to sign with the Dodgers.
MY NEW HOME!https://t.co/1gKAOSwY3w
— Trevor Bauer (トレバー・バウアー) (@BauerOutage) February 5, 2021
The messaging included moving on from a Cy Young Award winning season and focusing on 2021. With that, Bauer stressed the fans, organization and team name on the front of the jersey as being of the utmost importance. With that, Bauer concludes by sharing his excitement for this year.
Although the Dodgers had been linked to Bauer and it was regularly suggested they held legitimate interest if he would accept a short-term contract, their signing of the right-hander nonetheless still came as a bit of a surprise.
The team is flush with starting pitching, including youngsters Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May who both gained valuable experience last year. There is renewed speculation David Price may be traded both due to depth and luxury tax implications.
That was a suggested possibility well before the Dodgers entered the picture as serious suitors for Bauer. Price has two years remaining on his contract, and has made it clear his intention is to pitch this season.
Dodgers reportedly pursuing Turner
Still in need of a third baseman, the Dodgers reportedly remain engaged in contract talks with Justin Turner. On track to finish above the luxury tax threshold, there certainly is reason to continue with an earnest effort of re-signing Turner.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has twice referred to doing as much as a top priority.
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