With the Major League Baseball Players Association rejecting a proposal to delay the start of Spring Training and the 2021 regular season, all signs point to camps starting up in just over two weeks and Opening Day taking place April 1.
Though, MLB did caution that remains “subject to reaching an agreement on health and safety protocols.” Nevertheless, with pitchers and catchers looking at a Feb. 17 report date for Spring Training, there should be movement in free agency.
Trevor Bauer arguably is the top player still available on the open market, with the likes of George Springer, DJ LeMahieu and J.T. Realmuto having signed contracts over recent weeks. The Los Angeles Dodgers have been among the teams connected to Bauer.
During an appearance on “Dodger Talk,” Walker Buehler told David Vassegh he is hopeful Bauer will ultimately signing with the Dodgers, via AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
“I know Trevor a fair amount and have gotten along with him well when we’ve been around each other. I think it’s hard to say we wouldn’t want that guy around. He obviously had an amazing year last year and we hope he finds his way. I hope he finds his way into some blue, but obviously it’s a little bit above my pay grade.”
With every indication being David Price will participate in the 2021 season, the Dodgers don’t have an apparent need for starting pitching. Of course, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has always been open-minded when it comes to improving the roster.
Bauer is coming off a Cy Young Award season in which he went a modest 5-4 due to lack of run support, but had a 1.73 ERA and 0.79 WHIP in 11 starts. He led the National League in ERA, WHIP, opponents’ batting average (.159), opponents’ BABIP (.215), adjusted ERA+ (276), hits per nine innings (5.1), shutouts (two) and complete games (two).
It was recently reported Bauer was considered most likely to sign with the L.A. Angels or New York Mets. That was then followed by indications Bauer and Angels pitching coach Mickey Callaway not having a good relationship.
Callaway may soon be fired by the Angels in the wake of allegations over improper conduct and communication with female reporters, but it’s unclear if that would have any impact on Bauer’s interest.
One agent believes the right-hander remains unsigned because he is holding out for the Dodgers to make an offer.
Bauer lets fans pitch
Bauer’s free agency process has included some updates on social media and his YouTube channel. One such video saw the 30-year-old FaceTime with Dodgers fans and ask why he should sign with the team.
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