Tired of those Trevor Bauer rumors? Buckle up baseball fans

There has been plenty of Trevor Bauer chatter since his reinstatement by MLB. Unfortunately, he won’t be going away anytime soon.

And just like that, Trevor Bauer is back in baseball.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or perhaps just got really wrapped up in football, you’ve probably heard the news that Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer was recently reinstated by MLB. Recently reinstated, and even more recently designated for assignment by the Dodgers.

Which makes sense as Bauer is presently being viewed more like something that might have slithered right out from under a rock, as opposed to being one of the best pitchers in the majors. His suspension was due to sexual assault allegations. Allegations which if true, and putting aside the obvious need for serious criminal charges and sentencing, are more than enough reason to never award him the privilege again of wearing a major league uniform. Nor the privilege of being easily put in a position to serve as a role model to children. Not to mention the privilege of being paid a minimum of ten times the average American household income to play a game for a living.

Sadly, there is ample evidence to suggest that’s not the world we live in.

The NFL’s Deshaun Watson played six whole football games this season (six more than he should have). Marcell Ozuna played baseball last year. Those are just the most recent cases. There have been multiple other instances across professional sports over the years of players being given second chances when the evidence would strongly suggest it isn’t warranted, with the moral high ground being sacrificed in the name of wins and profits.

All that being said, the social and political climate is shifting. Bauer’s accusations are particularly heinous. So much so that the Dodgers are paying him north of $20 million dollars this season to go away and never come back, even with their status as a contender that can use the pitching help. It would be really surprising if he pitches a single MLB inning in 2023, even if he is suddenly eligible to do so.

However…that’s surprising. Not impossible. That’s also 2023. I never said anything about 2024.

No, Trevor Bauer’s name is going to come up every month of every year until he is either signed by an MLB team, or becomes too old to effectively pitch in the majors. Every time there is a rotation injury on a contending team, the Youtube videos and Tik Toks of Bauer’s bullpen sessions will start being scrutinized, as will the requisite ethical debate that comes along with discussing signing a player with Bauer’s extensive baggage. Every offseason, he’ll be rumor fodder for all 30 clubs, because he will be the best player available for the price tag. Should some small market team roll the dice? Every summer, he’ll be there to tempt every contender. Is the reward worth the public relations toll, if it results in a championship?

Plenty of baseball fans have likely already heard enough about Bauer this offseason, and had hoped to never have to hear about him again. Certainly, I hope to never have to write about him again, as that will only happen if the team I grew up following opts to sell their soul and sign him.

Unfortunately, baseball fans had better buckle up. Because he’s going to inevitably be in the headlines for some time to come.