“I’d prefer to just remain focused on doing my job.” These were the words of former Los Angeles Dodgers ace Trevor Bauer when he took upon social to explain his case on the accusations that led to his MLB exit. The 32-year-old was accused of misconduct, which led to suspending 324 games, reduced to 194 games in December 2022. It closed the doors for him to the major league. However, Bauer succeeded in Japan, continuing his baseball journey away from home. Now a star and an improved player, he seeks support from 30 teams to relive his World Series Dream. Will he get a shot at that?

Bauer is going through this phase (teams are cautious while approaching any player perceived as unfit for the system) that might become the reason behind his extended exile. However, his acceptance of mistakes reflects a change, which also got thumbs up from his former teammate, Mookie Betts. But it seems teams are yet to agree on this. With free agency in the mix, the game is afoot. Which team will be in the mix of this shake-up?

Bauer’s Embrace of Change and Optimism for a Turn in His Fortune

Life turned upside down for Trevor Bauer after he was accused of breaching the trust in June 2021. It led to his release from the Los Angeles Dodgers squad, cutting short his mega three-year deal of $110 million in 2023. It halted his MLB journey of 11 years, in which the 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner took 1416 strikeouts at an ERA of 3.79 while playing 222 games. Great record. Isn’t it? Now, after a halt of two years, the 32-year-old wants to add more to it and has requested in this regard.

While explaining the case, Bauer showcased hope with a promise in his public response. He said, “Now over the last two years, I’ve been forced to defend my integrity and my reputation in a very public setting, but hopefully this is the last time I have to do so, as I’d prefer to just remain focused on doing my job, winning baseball games and entertaining fans around the world.”

With this, the 2020 All MLB first team player indication towards winning the big trophy. However, it’s not surprising, all thanks to his performances in Japan, where he pitched exceptionally well after initial struggles. Notably, for the Yokohama DeNA Bay Stars, Bauer recorded 11 wins against 4 losses in 24 appearances with a 2.59 ERA.

More interestingly, he exceeded his fastball by a mile and wants to return to MLB with that speed. His former teammate Mookie Betts, with an ‘Awesome Guy’ reference and a wish to see Bauer back in the big league, is in for it, but are fans ready to accept him back?

Trevor Bauer Claims He Is One of the Best, Fans Disagree

Since being relieved of the case, Bauer has been sharing his thoughts publically. During an interview with Fox News, he said, “I think I’m one of the best pitchers in the world. I think, talent-wise, I deserve to play in the MLB. Obviously, there’s outside circumstances, so hopefully I’ll get a second chance, but I definitely expect to be playing.” 

It is certainly a big claim, but fans have not liked this. The public responses to this have been majorly negative, with near to 68% echoing the sentiment, “Imaginations are crazy!” Although a few did agree to this when his past is considered, not the present. Remember his 2018 season?

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Bauer claimed 221 strikeouts at an ERA of 2.21 and made it to the All-Star team. However, that’s all past now, but it does give MLB teams an idea of his capabilities. With many teams struggling to find a suitable pitcher, the about-to-be 33-year-old and the 2023 NPB All-Star can be a good match for many.

Former All-Star Eyes Cy Young in Unpredictable Free Agency

From Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million contract to Juan Soto becoming a Yankee to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s record-breaking deal, the 2023 free agency has been full of surprises. All this has set the tone for some exciting weeks or months ahead. As multiple teams, including the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, the Los Angeles Angels, and others, are exploring the pitching options in the market, battles are going on. This allows Trevor Bauer to put his name in the mix of players available for the 2024 season.

However, will teams see Bauer as an option with players like Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell, and Josh Hader available? Even if they do, does he provide anything extra to teams to get a preference over others?

Well, controversies aside, the 32-year-old shines as the finest as his regular season stats have been superb. The last year’s success makes him ready for the challenge. Moreover, with him ready to give his all, Bauer can cost teams way less than most free agents would. Considering his salary with incentives was $3 million, MLB teams can sign him without impacting their budget much.

Read More: With a Near 100MPH Fastball, Tainted Ex-Dodgers Pitcher Eyes MLB Return After 7 Months in Japan.