The Los Angeles Dodgers face a deadline Friday to decide on a course of action regarding Trevor Bauer, with the options to put him back on their 40-man roster, release the 31-year-old, or complete a trade.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred suspended Bauer for 324 games due to violating the league’s joint domestic violence and sexual assault policy. Bauer appealed the punishment, and late last month an independent arbitrator reduced Bauer’s suspension to 194 games and reinstated him effectively immediately.
Martin F. Scheinman did affirm Bauer violated MLB’s policy, and docked his pay for the first 50 games of 2023.
As the Dodgers mull their decision, players informed the front office of their desire to have Bauer back on the roster, according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
But the front office has been told at least some players want Bauer back, people with knowledge of the situation but not authorized to speak publicly told The Times.
While Bauer may have the support of some players, there have been multiple reports indicating the Dodgers plan to release him by this week’s deadline. The team has largely not commented on the matter since Bauer was put on paid administrative leave in July 2021.
“We have just been informed of the arbitrator’s ruling and will comment as soon as practical,” the Dodgers said in a statement after Scheinman’s decision was announced.
The Dodgers signed Bauer to a three-year, $102 million contract in February 2021. Even with his salary for the first 50 games of the 2023 regular season docked, the Dodgers are facing the prospect of having to pay $22.5 million to Bauer this year. That would be owed whether or not Bauer remains with the team.
If Bauer is released and signs with a new team, that value would be deducted from the Dodgers’ financial responsibility for the right-hander.
Dodgers clubhouse split on Trevor Bauer?
During the first few weeks after Bauer was placed on leave, it was reported a majority of the Dodgers clubhouse had soured on the possibility of him ever returning to the team.
Although not identified as a majority, it was recently indicated there were Dodgers players who remained against Bauer re-joining the team.
No Dodgers player has publicly commented on the matter.
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