As of April 2, 2026, former Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer has signed with the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League. This marks his return to a U.S.-based team for the first time since 2021. Bauer is scheduled to be the team's Opening Day starter on April 21 against the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars.
Recent Career Path (2023–2026)
Following his release from the Los Angeles Dodgers in January 2023, Bauer has played professionally in several international and independent leagues:
Long Island Ducks (2026): Signed to a contract where he will be "Mic'd Up" for all games and practices to create social media content while attempting to showcase his skills for an MLB return.
Yokohama DeNA BayStars (2025): Returned to Japan for a second stint, finishing with a 4-10 record and a 4.51 ERA over 133.2 innings.
Diablos Rojos del Mexico (2024): Had a dominant season in the Mexican League, going 10-0 with a 2.48 ERA and 120 strikeouts, earning Pitcher of the Year honors.
Yokohama DeNA BayStars (2023): His first international season after leaving MLB, where he posted a 10-4 record with a 2.76 ERA and was named an NPB All-Star.
MLB Status and Background
Bauer has not appeared in a Major League game since June 28, 2021.
Suspension: He served a 194-game suspension (initially 324 games) for violating MLB's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
Legal: He was never criminally charged, and civil claims related to the allegations were settled.
MLB Goal: Despite his continued success internationally, he has yet to receive an offer from any of the 30 MLB clubs.
