Once A Dodgers’ Star, Trevor Bauer Joins The Long Island Ducks After Domestic Violence Incident

Former National League Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer has signed with an independent league team, the Long Island Ducks.

Bauer has been trying to work his way back to the major leagues since 2022, and this stop may be the closest he’s gotten. He’s also pitched in Japan and Mexico. 

Bauer previously signed a three-year, $102 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2020-2021 offseason. However, in 2021, Bauer was accused of domestic violence. MLB placed him on administrative leave in July 2021. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office did not file charges against Bauer, citing a lack of evidence. However, MLB still suspended him for 324 games (later reduced to 194 games). 

Since his suspension was lifted, no MLB team has made an offer for him. Despite this, he’s still pitched in foreign leagues. He also regularly posts on his YouTube channel and X account, showcasing that he can still reach major league-level velocity. 

Although Bauer showed positive signs in 2023 in Japan and in 2024 in Mexico, 2025 showed a decline. In the Japanese Central League, he had a 4.51 ERA in 21 games. He was demoted to the Japanese Eastern League. He made one appearance in this league, where he gave up one run in five innings. 

The last time Bauer pitched at the major league level was in 2021 with the Dodgers. He had a 2.59 ERA in 17 starts. However, his FIP of 4.03 showed he may have been getting some good luck. 

Bauer can still throw pretty fast, but his control caused him some issues in the Japanese Central League. Bauer is 35.

The Ducks will play their first game of the season against the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars on April 21 in Long Island. Bauer is the projected Opening Day starter.