Trevor Bauer, released from the Los Angeles Dodgers after receiving the longest suspension in history under Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy, will resume his pitching career in Japan.
Bauer, the 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner, has been suspended for a record 326 games. upheld by the arbitrator After reducing to 194 games, he signed a one-year contract with the Yokohama BayStars of Japan’s Central League, the team announced Monday.
“I can’t put into words how excited I am to be playing for the BayStars this year.” Bauer said in a video posted by the team:“It’s always been a dream of mine to play for NPB and I can’t think of a better organization to do it.”
Bauer, 32, had not pitched three days before MLB put him on leave on June 28, 2021 after a Pasadena, Calif., woman accused him of nonconsensual sexual conduct twice. The Pasadena police investigation was turned over to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which chose not to file charges after eight months of evidence gathering and deliberation.
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In the course of an MLB investigation, two Ohio women brought forward abuse accusations dating back to Bauer’s days at the Cleveland and Cincinnati Reds organizations.
Bauer denied any wrongdoing and said all his dealings with the Pasadena woman were “fully consensual”. His suspension was upheld and the Dodgers released him.
Bauer, who received a paycheck while on leave, lost $37.5 million in pay during his suspension. The Dodgers still owe him more than $24.4 million in his 2023 salary.
Any MLB franchise was free to sign Bauer on major league minimum terms after he cleared waivers, but at least none officially expressed interest. He is reportedly set to earn his $4 million salary and incentives on the BayStars.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY. Former Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer signs deal to play in Japan
