Last week, arbitrator Martin F. Scheinman reduced MLB’s record suspension of Trevor Bauer from 324 games to 194 and immediately reinstated him from the restricted list.
The timing of the ruling reportedly caught the Los Angeles Dodgers by surprise as they did not expect a decision until later in the offseason.
The team now has until January 6, 2023, to add Bauer to their 40-man roster or part ways with him. The consensus around baseball is L.A. will ultimately release Bauer if they can’t find a trade partner.
However, the possibility of Bauer returning to the Dodgers can’t be ruled out, either. According to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times, the Dodgers front office is currently undecided on what to do with the right-hander:
Yet, as of Thursday night, club executives were still discussing how they would proceed, according to people with knowledge of the situation, and could wait to make a final decision until closer to the Jan. 6 deadline to either release Bauer or activate him.
Bauer is entering the final season of the three-year, $102 million contract he signed with the Dodgers in February 2021. Whether or not the club severs ties with him, they will be on the hook for $22.5 million next season.
Bauer was originally slated to earn $32 million in 2023, but had his salary docked for the first 50 games of the upcoming campaign as part of the arbitrator’s ruling.
The 31-year-old made 17 starts with the Dodgers in 2021 before sexual assault allegations took him off the field, going 8-5 with a 2.59 ERA, 4.03 FIP and 1.00 WHIP across 107.2 innings pitched.
Dodgers front office wants more information from arbitrator’s decision on Trevor Bauer
Before the Dodgers make a decision on Bauer, they reportedly are looking to obtain more information regarding Scheinman’s ruling. However, that will be highly unlikely due to the confidentiality that comes with the process.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
