Trevor Bauer, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, has expressed his focus on his current stint with Mexico's Diablos Rojos despite his desire to return to the big leagues. Bauer, who was recently introduced by the Diablos Rojos, is set to pitch in an exhibition game against a New York Yankees split squad.
The 33-year-old right-hander was handed a two-season suspension without pay by MLB Commissioner Rob Mandred in 2022 for violating the league’s policies on domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. This followed allegations made by a woman in San Diego, which Bauer has denied.
During a press conference, Bauer mentioned his aspiration to play in the MLB again but emphasized his current commitment to the Diablos Rojos. Bauer was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this year and had a stint with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan’s Pacific League last season.
Despite not facing criminal charges, Bauer settled the legal dispute with the woman who accused him. The Diablos Rojos management sees Bauer's signing as an opportunity to enhance their brand beyond baseball, citing his pitching prowess and creative endeavors, such as his YouTube channel.
While Bauer is initially scheduled to play only five games in Mexico, the team has hinted at the possibility of extending his stay. The Diablos Rojos are taking a cautious approach, focusing on Bauer's upcoming game against the Yankees before making any further decisions.
Bauer, with a career record of 83-69 and a 3.79 ERA in MLB, has played for various teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
As Bauer prepares for his upcoming game with the Diablos Rojos, the team remains optimistic about the potential impact of his presence on and off the field.