LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 12: Trevor Bauer #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on after giving up a hit to Joey Gallo #13 of the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium on June 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Getty Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a significant investment in Trevor Bauer ahead of the 2021 MLB season, coming off of a National League Cy Young Award with the Cincinnati Reds.

The right-hander arrived in Los Angeles after establishing himself as one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers, but his tenure with the organization proved remarkably brief. Shortly after a three-year, $102 million contract. He made 17 starts for the Dodgers before being placed on administrative leave in July 2021 following sexual assault allegations.

Bauer’s absence ultimately became permanent. Major League Baseball handed him a 324-game suspension in April 2022 for violating its domestic violence and sexual assault policy. An independent arbitrator subsequently reduced that suspension to 194 games, and the Dodgers released him in January 2023.

“The 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner has not pitched in the big leagues since 2021, months after signing the largest deal based on average annual value for a pitcher, after sexual abuse allegations,” Ryan Morik wrote for Fox News. “At the time of the allegations, Bauer was pitching to a 2.59 ERA with the Los Angeles Dodgers.”

Bauer has maintained his innocence regarding the allegations and been outspoken about his desire to return to the big leagues. And now, more than five years after his last major league appearance, the polarizing pitcher offered a new explanation for why his attempts to return have not resulted in another opportunity.

Los Angeles Dodgers Castoff Trevor Bauer Details MLB Comeback Interest

As he pitches in the Mexican League, Bauer recently claimed that multiple postseason contenders expressed interest in bringing him back during this past season, only to encounter resistance from higher-ranking decision-makers.

“We had people on teams, like playoff teams this past year, that were like, ‘We need Trevor, bring him in,’” Bauer told Rompiendo Sports. “And like, ‘If you bring up his name again, we will fire you on the spot. Do not bring it up again.’”

The former Dodgers pitcher suggested that the resistance extended beyond just some organizations that made the postseason this year, alleging that people throughout baseball have continuously wanted him back but were unable to make it happen.

“We’ve talked to every team,” Bauer added. “And all the baseball people, all the front office people, the GMs, the coaches, the players, they’re all like, ‘Yeah we want you, we want to sign you. We’d sign you in a heartbeat, but we’re not allowed to.’”

Bauer indicated that the interest has come from one of his former teams, without specifying, with a member ultimately telling him that higher ups will never allow him to return to MLB despite the interest.

Los Angeles Dodgers Released Cy Young Winner Trevor Bauer After Suspension

Bauer’s departure from Los Angeles followed an extended period of uncertainty surrounding his future. After being placed on administrative leave in July 2021, he missed the remainder of that season and remained away from the Dodgers throughout the following campaign.

The Dodgers subsequently designated Bauer for assignment and unconditionally released him on January 12, 2023.

The organization remained responsible for the final $22.5 million salary obligation in his contract, despite deciding he would no longer be part of the team.