Los Angeles Dodgers standout Mookie Betts recently expressed his hope that a Major League Baseball team would secure the services of free agent pitcher Trevor Bauer.
Betts shared his perspective on Bauer, stating that his personal experience with the pitcher differs from the public perception. He conveyed his admiration for Bauer as both a talented pitcher and a remarkable individual, emphasizing Bauer’s dedication to taking the mound every fifth day. However, Betts acknowledged that the decision to sign Bauer is more complex than just his baseball skills.
The duo had the opportunity to play together during the early months of the 2021 season. However, Bauer’s season took an unexpected turn when he was placed on administrative leave following allegations of assault. Subsequently, Major League Baseball imposed a 324-game suspension on the former star pitcher due to these allegations.
After pursuing an appeal, Bauer’s suspension was reduced to 194 games. Though he has completed his suspension, he has yet to secure a contract with an MLB team.
In the absence of Major League Baseball in the previous season, Bauer signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan. During his stint in Japan, he compiled an impressive record of 11-3 with a 2.59 ERA.