REPORT: Former National League Cy Young Winner Trevor Bauer Makes Reds Next Decision on Future

After dominating the Mexican League in 2024, former National League Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer has decided to return to Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), where he previously played during the 2023 season.

The Yakyu Cosmopolitan reported on social media:
“RHP Trevor Bauer is returning to the DeNA BayStars.”

Bauer spent last season in Mexico while waiting for potential MLB offers. The BayStars’ foreign roster now includes 1B Tyler Austin, LHP Anthony Kay, RHP Andre Jackson, RHP Rowan Wick, LHP Yofrec Diaz, and Bauer.

Now 34, Bauer hasn’t pitched in MLB since 2021. He was suspended that year following a domestic violence allegation and missed a combined 182 games between 2021 and 2022. While he was never charged with a crime and questions arose about the credibility of some accusers, MLB teams have avoided signing him, prompting him to continue his career overseas.

Bauer previously pitched in MLB for the Diamondbacks, Indians, Reds, and Dodgers, winning the Cy Young Award with Cincinnati during the shortened 2020 season.

In Mexico, Bauer earned an All-Star nod and won the league’s Cy Young equivalent, finishing the regular season 10-0 with a 2.48 ERA and 120 strikeouts in 83.1 innings. He continued his dominance in the playoffs, recording a 1.67 ERA and 32 strikeouts to help Diablos Rojos win the championship. Bauer also played alongside former MLB All-Star Robinson Canó during his stint in Mexico.