Although it had been previously reported, the Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced the signing of Trevor Bauer to a three-year contract.
The Dodgers didn’t announce the terms for the deal, although it is believed to be for $102 million and include opt outs after each of the first two seasons. Bauer is due to earn $40 million in 2021, $45 million in 2022, and $17 million in 2023.
Bauer grew up rooting for the Dodgers as a Southern California native and UCLA graduate, so it comes as no surprise that he expressed excitement at his introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “I’ve been excited for this moment for a good long while.”
Bauer joins a rotation that was already one of the best in baseball in 2020. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner will be pitching alongside the likes of Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, David Price, Julio Urias, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin as the Dodgers look to repeat as champions.
Throughout college and his big league career, Bauer has yet to win a championship, so he is looking to change that. “I want to win a World Series,” Bauer said.
“I’ve come in second both in college and the big leagues. I’m tired of it.”
In 11 starts for the Cincinnati Reds in 2020, Bauer went 5-3 with a 1.73 ERA, 2.88 FIP and 0.80 WHIP with 100 strikeouts and 17 walks in 73 innings. It remains to be seen where he will slot into the Dodgers’ rotation, but there is no doubt he will be a big part of it in 2021 and beyond.
Dodgers designated Sborz for assignment
Because the Dodgers’ 40-man roster was full, they had to make a move before making the signing of Bauer official. That ended up being designating relief pitcher Josh Sborz for assignment.
Sborz is a former second-round pick of the Dodgers in 2015 out of Virginia. In 11 total appearances for the team in 2019 and 2020, he pitched to a 6.08 ERA and 1.28 WHIP.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events and more!
