Former Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Trevor Bauer was just designated for assignment by the club this past Friday, in which the Dodgers had to make their choice by that day. This decision by the organization was not an easy one for the Dodgers, but could a team look past Bauer's allegation controversy and sign him for almost the minimum?
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To start off, I totally understand that the Bauer and his current situation is not a good look one bit. Everyone has a right to hold their own opinion, and this article is made more towards a business and financial standpoint rather than focusing on the issues off the field.
The Los Angeles Dodgers finally made their decision at the deadline. They have decided it was best for their organization to move past Trevor Bauer and designate him for assignment, in which now any team can look at signing the 2020 Cy Young winner; and at a low cost.
With the DFA decision, Bauer will either be traded within the next seven days or be a free agent for a team to look into. Now, I think we can all agree a trade is impossible for all that has gone on. Teams rather just wait for his status to be free in order to consider signing Bauer for the $720K. The Dodgers on the other hand will take the $22.5 million left on Bauer's deal. Bauer signed a three-year deal worth $102 million back before 2021 began.
After the Dodgers decided to move past Bauer, he stated “While we were unable to communicate throughout the administrative leave and arbitration process, my representatives spoke to Dodgers leadership immediately following the arbitration decision,” he said. “Following two weeks of conversation and my return to the organization, I sat down with Dodgers leadership in Arizona [Thursday] who told me that they wanted me to return and pitch for the team this year.” (Trevor Bauer released by Dodgers following sexual assault accusation; New York Post)
Bauer has been under investigation by the MLB after a San Diego woman has accused Bauer of aggressive rough sex, in which she requested a restraining order on the starting pitcher. Immediately after, Bauer has claimed that the rough intercourse was consensual and that he [Bauer] did not break the domestic violence policy that the MLB has.
Bauer, 31, has not pitched since June 28th of 2021 and has recently been instated after 194 games rather than the original 324 game suspension. With that, Bauer will have to face a suspension of those total games with no pay, including the first 50 games of 2023.
What could have been two full seasons of suspension with no pay is no longer, but no matter what, Bauer will always have a stain on his resume.
With the 130 game subtraction, Bauer will be able to pitch on Opening Day of 2023, but with some consequences on no pay. So, with all of this lingering on Bauer, why would a team even consider putting him on their roster? Well, if a team truly believes in Bauer and also looks more into a financial standpoint, it can be done. If not dealt by next Friday the 13th, Bauer will be available for essentially free. The team who would pick up Bauer would only have to pay the right-handed pitcher $720,000 while the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the $22.5 million on his final year deal that was a three-year contract.
There are many teams out there that could desperately use another pitcher in their starting rotation. Spotlight on the San Diego Padres, please.
I know, this is a tough one to consider. I understand that. Whether you think Bauer is guilty or not, you are still taking on much slander as an organization. But hear me out. Bauer is still going strong despite allegations and wants to help his next team win a World Series. That is his ultimate goal.
As for the Padres standpoint, they desperately need starting pitching, as we all know and talked about. It is looking clearer by the day that the Padres want to stay under the $273 million tax mark to avoid any payment penalty. As of now, they hover around $270 million after recently signing pitcher Brent Honeywell and outfielder Adam Engel Friday. Rumors surfaced that the Friars would sign free agent pitcher Johnny Cueto, but after coming off a very strong season, it is not likely that Cueto will take a cheap deal. Sure, the Padres can trade for another rotation piece, but why sacrifice prospects or depth at this time before the season starts?
All I am saying is that from a business standpoint, the Padres would be getting a 2020 Cy Young winner for basically free and having to pay any consequences of fans' opinions. With Bauer, the team would also stay under that tax threshold without having to pay a penalty and would bolster their rotation, which is necessary. The Padres starting rotation currently stands at: Darvish, Snell, Musgrove, Martinez, Lugo. Many other arms have been added and will have to prove themselves in Spring Training, but you do not want a 'bullpen day' every fifth day.
In the end, from a business side of things, it is smart to snatch Bauer in which we can taste what it is like for another team to pay the remainder of the contract. Yeah, that Eric Hosmer deal just pains us all still. In addition, having a team rivalry in the Dodgers pay that deal while he pitches in Petco Park looking for redemption? I am in. I will not give my opinion on whether Bauer is guilty or not, but I will state that he is the smartest assest financially if San Diego is looking at the big picture. Keep in mind, Darvish, Lugo and Snell can all be free agents after this year. The Padres' rotation needs to have longevity, just like the hitters in our lineup. Let me know what you think about this possible outcome!
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