MLB
Trevor Bauer signs with Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan: Salary and incentives
The 31-year-old pitcher hasn’t played a game since June 2021 after allegations of assault against a woman came to light.
Surprising news for the MLB world: the ex-Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher made a move to Japan after being released by the California team in January. Bauer hadn’t had any offers come his way since the Dodgers decided to part ways with him.
Due to the circumstances, Bauer received the longest suspension in MLB history at 324 games. However, this past summer, an arbitrator reduced his suspension to 196, still the severest punishment in MLB history.
The reason for the harsh penalty is that even in the case where no charges are brought, or a person is found not guilty in court, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred still has the authority to impose a penalty under the league’s joint policy on domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
What is Trevor Bauer’s contract with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan?
ESPN’S Jeffs Passan confirmed Bauer’s move to Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League after Yaki Yamada of Snkei Sports broke the news earlier in the day.
According to Yaki Yamada, the Yokohama DeNa BayStars will pay Bauer $3 million. However, other reports suggest the pitcher will make $4 million a year, in addition to other incentives not mentioned as of yet.
The suspension from the MLB cost the pitcher $38 million. Due to the arbitrator’s office reducing the punishment, the Dodgers still had to pay him the remainder of his contract, somewhere around $22 million.