Trevor Bauer expressed his desire to make a comeback to the major leagues, but for now, he’s fully focused on his current role with Mexico’s Diablos Rojos. Bauer was formally introduced by the Diablos Rojos on Friday and is set to pitch in the upcoming exhibition games against a New York Yankees split squad.
The 33-year-old pitcher received a two-season suspension without pay from baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred in 2022 for violating the league’s domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy. This was following accusations from a woman in San Diego, which Bauer has denied.
“I certainly hope to return to the big leagues one day, but at the moment, my main focus is on playing here. Right now, my attention is on the game against the Yankees. I want to perform well and contribute to my team,” Bauer stated during a press conference. “Currently, I am fully committed to being part of the Diablos.”
Bauer was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers in January 2023. Last season, he played for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan’s Pacific League. Although he was not charged with any crime, Bauer’s legal dispute with the woman who made the accusations has been settled, according to his lawyers.
The management of Diablos Rojos believes that signing Bauer will not only bolster their team but also enhance their brand’s visibility beyond baseball.
“Besides his pitching prowess, Trevor is known for his creativity. I’m a follower of his YouTube channel,” mentioned Santiago Harp, vice president of the Diablos board of directors. “I believe his presence will help more people learn about the Diablos, and this moment will be talked about.”
While Bauer’s stint with the Diablos Rojos is initially set for only five games, the team hasn’t ruled out the possibility of extending it in the future.
“We’re witnessing history in the making, and we can’t predict what lies ahead. Let’s focus on the present, let Trevor enjoy his game on Sunday, and then we’ll decide what’s next,” commented team vice president Jorge del Valle. “We’ll take it one step at a time.”
During this spring training, Bauer also made an appearance for an independent team in a match against a team of Dodgers minor leaguers. Throughout his career, he has amassed a record of 83 wins and 69 losses, with a 3.79 ERA, playing for various teams, including Arizona, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and the Dodgers.
