Since being reinstated in December 2022, Trevor Bauer has faced considerable challenges in his efforts to return to Major League Baseball.
Despite showcasing his skills internationally, with stints in Japan and currently in Mexico, Bauer has struggled to attract the interest of MLB teams.
His performances with Diablos Rojos del Mexico have been impressive, highlighted by a 1.63 ERA and 83 strikeouts over 10 starts. These stats reflect Bauer’s continued commitment to maintaining a high level of play, fueled by his hope of securing another opportunity in the majors.
David Wells, a former MLB pitcher who once played for the Los Angeles Dodgers like Bauer, has voiced his support for Bauer’s return to the big leagues.
Speaking with Fox News, Wells expressed his bewilderment at the hesitancy of MLB teams to sign Bauer, despite his proven abilities on the mound: “I hope so… I guess people are afraid. He was a hell of a pitcher. He should go in. I mean look at all these guys in the past who crap all over themselves and get in trouble. And they got second, third, fourth chances.”
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Wells, who also had tenures with teams like the New York Yankees—a team Bauer faced in Mexico during Spring Training in an effort to showcase his capabilities—believes that Bauer deserves another chance in MLB. He emphasized that Bauer, whom he views as not being a distraction to team dynamics, warrants a second chance as much as anyone: “He’s not gonna be a distraction to the team, and he’s going to go out and pitch, why wouldn’t you give him a second chance? I believe in second chances as long as they’re solidified and his was solidified.”
The controversy surrounding Bauer stems from his suspension due to sexual assault allegations, which led to a protracted legal ordeal.
Although this part of his history is technically behind him, it continues to shadow his career. Wells commented on the vulnerability of athletes to being targeted, both legally and personally: “In sports, you get targeted so much by so many bad people out there. You just got to be able to cover your tracks and try to make the right decisions. And because we’re targets. Athletes are targets. I don’t care – men or women, you’re targets.”
This perspective highlights the complex landscape professional athletes navigate, where personal actions can attract disproportionate scrutiny and repercussions.
Despite these hurdles, only the Houston Astros have reportedly taken an active interest in observing Bauer’s current performances.
As Bauer continues to pitch in Mexico, he and his supporters like Wells hold out hope that his MLB comeback might still materialize, reflecting the broader sports ethos that values redemption and second chances.