LOS ANGELES — Trevor Bauer’s time with the Dodgers is officially over now.
Designated for assignment last week, the formerly suspended pitcher cleared waivers and the Dodgers could not find a trade partner to unload the controversial right-hander. So, he was given his unconditional release Thursday.
Bauer, 31, is now a free agent and can sign with any team for the major-league minimum salary ($720,000). The Dodgers are obligated to pay Bauer’s $22.5 million salary in 2023 minus any salary he draws from another MLB team.
Undoubtedly talented – Bauer won the 2020 National League Cy Young Award – Bauer will find it difficult to find a team willing to take on the potential backlash for signing the player who served the longest suspension under MLB’s domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy (194 games, reduced on appeal from 324 games).
A number of teams – the Padres, Giants, Mets and Yankees among them – have reportedly ruled out signing Bauer.
Coming off his Cy Young season, Bauer signed a three-year, $102 million contract as a free agent with the Dodgers in spring 2021, joining his fourth team in 10 big-league seasons. Bauer made 17 starts for the Dodgers in 2021, going 8-5 with a 2.59 ERA.
Sexual assault allegations made by a San Diego woman against Bauer came to light in July 2021 and he was placed on administrative leave while MLB investigated. That investigated resulted in his suspension though Bauer was never charged with a crime.
He has not pitched in a game since June 28, 2021.
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