Dodgers News: Trevor Bauer Released, LA to Pay Remainder of 2023 Salary
In surprising but not shocking news, today the Dodgers announced that right-handed pitcher Trevor Bauer has been designated for assignment. The embattled hurler was recently reinstated from the restricted list after an independent arbitrator ruled to reduce a 324 game suspension by Major League Baseball — that would have wiped out the entirety of Bauer’s 2023 season — down to 194 games.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported the news.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are designating right-hander Trevor Bauer for assignment, sources tell ESPN.
The Dodgers will eat $22.5 million. Bauer can sign with any major league team for the $720,000 minimum and can play immediately after completing a record-long suspension.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 7, 2023
Bauer was suspended on April 30th, 2021 for violating the MLB/MLBPA joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy. Importantly, the independent arbitrator did not exonerate Bauer of the violation. A press release on December 22 affirmed that he did violate the policy.
“Today, the neutral arbitrator selected by MLB and the MLBPA affirmed that Trevor Bauer violated Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
“After an exhaustive review of the available evidence the neutral arbitrator upheld an unpaid suspension of 194 games.
So, in essence, the arbitrator agreed with a suspension being warranted, but not with the length that was handed down.
At any rate, the Dodgers will have to pay Bauer’s $22.5 million salary for the 2023 season ($32 million minus 50 games worth of salary) and he is free to sign with any other ballclub immediately. That new club would be responsible for paying the major league minimum salary.
With the move, the club opted to avoid the potential lingering backlash and distraction that may follow with the pitcher on the roster. Instead, the team will focus on the 2023 season with the players they have.
UPDATE
The Dodgers issued the following statement on social media.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 7, 2023
Due to the sensitive nature of this topic and out of respect to survivors of abuse and sexual assault, comments have been disabled on this article.
