Embattled Pasadena Pitcher Bauer to Continue Pitching Career in Japan

After serving a record-setting suspension in Major League Baseball, Pasadena resident Trevor Bauer will resume his pitching career in Japan, according to Yahoo Sports!

Bauer has agreed to a contract with the Yokohama Baystars of the Japanese Central League, according to multiple reports in Japan.

Bauer won the 2020 National League Cy Young Award. He was suspended for 326-games.

The league placed Bauer on administrative leave after a Pasadena, woman accused him of non-consensual sexual acts. An investigation by Pasadena police was turned over to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, which opted not to press charges after eight months of gathering evidence and deliberations.

Bauer’s suspension was upheld by an arbitrator, but reduced to 194 games.

He has not pitched since June 28, 2021. Bauer has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, calling all interactions with the woman “wholly consensual.”

Bauer was paid while on administrative leave but lost $37.5 million in salary for the duration of his suspension. The Dodgers still owe him more than $24.4 million in 2023 salary.

Any MLB franchise was free to sign Bauer for the major league minimum after he cleared waivers, but no club at least publicly expressed interest. He’ll reportedly earn a $4 million salary with the Baystars, plus incentives.