3 potential landing spots for former Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer

Jun 22, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (top) looks on from the dugout during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (top) looks on from the dugout during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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It was a matter of time before the Dodgers moved on from Trevor Bauer.

Although the Dodgers took their time to formally announce their decision, it seemed likely that he had thrown his last pitch for the organization. There were rumors that players on the team did not want him back. In the end, even with their quest to bring another championship to Los Angeles, it was felt that his talent was not worth the baggage.

Three places where former Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer could rebuild his career

That talent is going to be a siren call. As Bauer would only collect the league minimum from whatever team he signs with for 2022, with the Dodgers footing the bill for the rest, he is going to be tempting. But it is a matter of finding a team willing to take him on.

Where could former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer end up? Let’s take a look at three possible landing spots for 2023.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays have always been known to look for bargains. There may be no bigger one than Trevor Bauer.

As it stands, the Rays have a strong pitching staff. The trio of Shane McClanahan, Tyler Glasnow, and Zach Eflin are a great start to any rotation and the Rays have a knack for finding relievers. However, there are questions in the back of their rotation and every team can use more depth.

The Rays have also been willing to overlook possible behavioral issues and other red flags. The list of players that have come through the organization, and some of the issues that they have had, is fairly startling. While the Rays have moved away from that model in recent years, a bargain is still a bargain.

There may be no bigger bargain than Bauer. He is a valid top of the rotation starter and is going to have a chip on his shoulder as he looks to re-establish himself in the game. That combination could make him a compelling option, especially as the Rays look to go toe to toe with some of the most dangerous teams in the league.

The Tampa Bay Rays love bargains. There may be no bigger bargain than Trevor Bauer.

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Mets

Trevor Bauer was supposed to sign with the Mets.

At least those were the reports before he signed with the Dodgers. While New York was under strong consideration, Bauer had decided to head to Los Angeles when an error sent out a Mets hat as his landing spot.

But there is a chance to make amends. The Mets are looking to accumulate as much talent as possible, even if it would not appear to be a specific need. Just look at their pursuit of Carlos Correa; the Mets already have Francisco Lindor and would slot Correa at third just to add another dangerous bat in the lineup. Of course, he would need to sign first

Bauer would be another dangerous piece for what would become a truly devastating rotation. Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer are already a dominant duo while Kodai Senga, Carlos Carrasco, and Jose Quintana round out what should be an impressive group. Adding Bauer to that group may seem like overkill, but team owner Steve Cohen is willing to spend the gross domestic product of a mid-sized country to win a title. For a bargain such as Bauer, the Mets could find room.

The Mets do not really need Trevor Bauer. But he can help them win a title and that is all that really matters.

(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Reds

The most likely option may be the final one on our list.

Bauer had finally found consistent success when he landed in Cincinnati. He had flashed those moments before, and had a strong 2018 campaign, but was unable to put everything together. That changed in 2020 when Bauer won the NL Cy Young, led the NL in ERA and WHiP, and truly established himself as a top of the rotation arm.

The situation is different now than it was in 2020. The Reds are no longer looking to contend and are in need of talent throughout their roster, including in the rotation. Bringing Bauer on board would be a no risk move that could pay off far beyond his minimum salary.

It is also a move that could pay off for the future as well. If Bauer comes back and pitches at a high level, he could be an interesting trade chip for the Reds. He would still have that baggage attached, but for a team chasing a playoff berth, it could be worth taking that chance.

Trevor Bauer found his greatest success with the Cincinnati Reds. Maybe that will be where he ends up for 2023.

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