The Chicago Cubs are not interested in looking at Trevor Bauer and have never been interested in looking at him since the scandal that effectively ended his career.
The Rise and Fall of Trevor Bauer
In 2021, Bauer was accused of sexual assault by a San Diego woman and the allegations were legitimately heinous.
That same year, however, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office announced that it would not file criminal charges against Bauer after investigating the allegations. The office stated that there was insufficient evidence to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. Bauer insisted he was innocent and that the alleged victim had been trying to extort him.
Despite the lack of criminal charges, Major League Baseball conducted its own investigation and suspended Bauer for 324 games under its domestic violence and sexual assault policy. This was later reduced to 194 games by an arbitrator, who also reinstated Bauer. His team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, however, paid off their contract with him and permanently parted ways.
Bauer filed defamation lawsuits against his accuser and certain media outlets. Some of these cases have been settled, but not all details are public.
Again, this is all unpleasant stuff and, admittedly, not something a baseball team wants to jump into as a distraction from their baseball operations.
Bauer To The Chicago Cubs?
The Chicago Cubs and, specifically, the ownership Ricketts family are averse to any sort of off-field controversy. That precedent was set when they released young, talented shortstop Addison Russell– and a member of the beloved 2016 Cubs World Series team– after accusations of domestic abuse surfaced.
But would it be wise to at least explore the idea of signing Bauer, perhaps on a one-year deal, as a depth piece for the starting rotation?
A Change.org petition titled “Urge the Chicago Cubs to Give Trevor Bauer a Second Chance” was posted earlier in 2024, but only 62 people signing the online petition.
In Support of Bauer-Cubs Union
Still, there is actually support for the idea of giving the soon-to-be 34-year-old a second chance. He’s still pitching– in Japan in 2023 and in Mexico in 2024– and having great success. There seems to still be some life in his arm.
Justin Frederick from Last Word on Sports tackled the “Is it worth bringing Bauer into the Cubs” issue in a January, 2024 opinion piece.
Per Frederick:
“Yeah, and no, the last pitch he threw in the majors was over two years ago. He will be 33 when spring training starts next month. Bauer could be a significant distraction when pitchers and catchers report. But in a league where second chances have been given to multiple players, Bauer may be worth a flyer. A one-year deal could prove a nice bridge before some young prospects are ready for the big-league club. The prototypical “prove-it” deal could net both the player and the club a win.”
There are arguments to be made either way on this Trevor Bauer issue, but they seem to be a moot point when it comes to the Chicago Cubs, who appear to zero interest in adding the big arm with the heavy, heavy baggage. The team may add one more starting arm this offseason, but it won’t be Bauer.
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