SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 21: Trevor Bauer #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts to fans booing him as he leaves the game against the San Francisco Giants in the seventh inning at Oracle Park on May 21, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

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Trevor Bauer’s departure from the Los Angeles Dodgers remains one of the more controversial chapters in the franchise’s recent history.

The right-hander arrived in February 2021 as the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, signing a three-year, $102 million contract that made him one of baseball’s highest-paid players. The agreement represented a significant investment in a pitcher expected to help Los Angeles maintain its championship window.

That partnership quickly unraveled. Bauer was placed on administrative leave in July 2021 after a woman accused him of sexual assault, allegations he denied. Following an MLB investigation, Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a 324-game suspension in April 2022 for violating the league’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. An independent arbitrator subsequently reduced the suspension to 194 games, while affirming that Bauer had violated the policy. The Dodgers released him in January 2023, leaving the club responsible for the remaining $22.5 million owed under his contract.

Since then, Bauer has continued pursuing opportunities outside MLB while publicly advocating for his return, including stints in Japan and Mexico. Now, his lobbying effort for an MLB comeback has included a hint that the New York Yankees and Houston Astros might have been interested in signing him.

Former Cy Young Winner Trevor Bauer Responds To MLB Comeback Post

Now in his second stint with the Diablos Rojos del Mexico, Bauer recently offered an extensive comment about an ongoing effort to bar him from returning to MLB despite support among certain front offices and rosters.

Shortly afterward, a report suggested that the New York Yankees and Houston Astros were the most aggressive suitors.

“The Yankees and Astros were the two teams that showed the most interest in signing Trevor Bauer while he was with Diablos Rojos in Mexico,” Spanish-language baseball content creator Elizier Caraballo posted. “However, both teams eventually backed away without providing a reason for their decisions. This had happened before with other teams that, after making contact with Bauer, also walked away without explaining why.”

Caraballo did not provide any third-party evidence for his report but Bauer responded directly shortly afterward.

“You have a good source,” Bauer replied.

Trevor Bauer Narrows MLB Comeback Statements To 2 AL Rivals

Bauer’s latest connection to contending teams looking for reinforcement was pretty specific, but he routinely utilizes media appearances to expose what he sees as a boycott conspiracy from league offices.

He joined the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan in 2023 before moving to Mexico, where he enjoyed a productive campaign with Diablos Rojos in 2024. His international experience has allowed him to continue demonstrating his ability on the mound while seeking another opportunity in North American professional baseball.