After spending much of the offseason focused adding depth to the organization, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a splash by signing Trevor Bauer to a record-setting three-year contract. His arrival gave the Dodgers three Cy Young Award winners in their rotation as David Price re-joined the team after opting out of the 2020 season.
While Bauer is a polarizing figure off the field, his talent and commitment to constantly improve and be the best version of himself aligns well with the Dodgers’ vision. He cited the organization’s philosophies and approach to pitching as a key reason to signing.
Bauer thus far has drawn plenty of praise from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and several teammates, including Clayton Kershaw. And on Thursday, Kershaw was among those to watch Bauer face the likes of Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager in his first live batting practice session of Spring Training.
Though, like the day prior, Bellinger was limited to only tracking pitches as he continues to recover from offseason shoulder surgery. He isn’t expected to play in a Cactus League game until the middle of March but should be full-go come Opening Day on April 1.
#Dodgers Corey Seager fouls one off against Trevor Bauer pic.twitter.com/y03N2KzxYb
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) February 25, 2021
Cody Bellinger is tracking pitches again today. This time against Trevor Bauer. pic.twitter.com/Qv0d8nz6KL
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) February 25, 2021
#Dodgers Trevor Bauer’s first live BP session has drawn an audience pic.twitter.com/6R7BUO1e2u
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 25, 2021
#Dodgers Trevor Bauer live BP to Seager/Bellinger pic.twitter.com/k0wl9FN2zX
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 25, 2021
#Dodgers Bauer vs. Will Smith pic.twitter.com/ssYyUE09Fu
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) February 25, 2021
For Bauer, he likely is to slot in behind the Kershaw and Walker Buehler in the starting rotation. That could change, as the Dodgers have yet to name an Opening Day starter or their rotation order.
Friedman credits Walter for Dodgers signing Bauer
While president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman revealed the Dodgers had interest in Bauer throughout the offseason, it wasn’t until late in the process that it became apparent they legitimately were in the running.
The New York Mets nevertheless were considered the favorite to sign Bauer. Friedman said there were times he was confident the Dodgers would ultimately sign the right-hander, and other days he was resigned to an unfavorable outcome.
Friedman credited Dodgers owner Mark Walter for getting involved and pushing the team across the finish line.
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