In theory, this should be over. Major League Baseball has finally stopped kicking the can down the road as it comes to Trevor Bauer. They have issued their verdict, announcing that the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher has been suspended for two years beginning today, with his administrative leave not counting towards that punishment, effectively suspending Bauer for over 400 games. He would be gone until 2024, the rest of his contract with the Dodgers null and void.
This is also, in theory, what the Dodgers would have hoped for. Other players have been vocal that they did not want Bauer back on the team, leaving the Dodgers with a very expensive decision to make should he return. With his being suspended for two years, his contract would run out, and MLB will have done their dirty work.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer not going quietly
But theory is not the same as reality. Bauer is refusing to accept this punishment, issuing a statement of his own on Twitter saying that he is appealing the suspension. Naturally, he says that he expects to win this appeal.
It is going to be fascinating to see how long this drags out. In theory, suspensions are on hold during the appeal process. He would, based on that precedent, be able to return and look to get ready for the 2022 season as this appeal is in the works. Likewise, major league teams cannot punish players in addition to any discipline handed down by the league. If Bauer does return while his appeal is ongoing, the Dodgers will have to actually make a decision themselves.
The appeal process may not be the end of this either. It would not be too much of a surprise to see a legal challenge to MLB’s ability to punish players that were found not guilty should the appeal not turn out favorably. The league, instead of being done with Bauer, may only be beginning their nightmare scenario.
There is a lot of conjecture at this point. It is unknown if the league offered to settle, or if Bauer would have agreed. However, based on their actions to this point, it appears as though MLB wanted Bauer to just go away. And that is not going to happen for some time to come.
Major League Baseball announced that Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer has been suspended for two years. The saga is only just beginning.