Just a week ago, former Dodgers arm Trevor Bauer shared his intention to return to MLB after spending years in the Mexican League (2024) and NPB (2023 and 2025). A video went viral showing Bauer taking a 100-mph line drive straight to his head and standing up again, as if nothing had happened. That was a hint about the 35-year-old’s readiness for a second MLB inning.

As he signed with a US-based baseball team, Bauer took another step towards MLB.

“10-year MLB veteran and 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner BauerOutage is the newest member of the Ducks! He is currently slated to serve as our opening night starter on Tuesday, April 21st!” Long Island Ducks shared via X. 

It’s been about 5 years since Bauer last pitched for the Dodgers and in front of the US fans. Playing for the Long Island Ducks would be a homecoming for him.

“I’m looking forward to competing in front of U.S. fans again this season,” shared Bauer.

It was 2021 when he last played for the big leagues, recording a 2.59 ERA in 17 starts for the Dodgers.

The Long Island Ducks play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, an independent partner league of MLB. They have a long-standing tradition of landing some known faces from MLB. For instance, Dontrelle Willis, Daniel Murphy, Rich Hill, and Eric Gagne were all associated with the Ducks. Now, Trevor Bauer is the latest addition.

Reportedly, Bauer will start the Ducks’ opening game on April 21 and will be mic’d up for the remaining games and practices.

Signing with the Ducks took Bauer a bit closer to MLB because the Ducks (Atlantic League) are associated with the Texas Rangers.

This January, REV Entertainment, the official sports and entertainment firm of the Rangers, announced the acquisition of the Ducks. REV Entertainment now owns teams across three MLB Partner Leagues, including the American Association, Frontier League, and Atlantic League. This marks the Rangers’ strategy to expand their player development pipeline.

Bauer was released from the Dodgers in 2023 after a series of grave allegations and a 194-game suspension, which were later settled out of court. Now, his April 21 return can be marked as the first step for his second MLB stint because the Atlantic League has already sent more than 1,450 players to MLB organizations and drew more than 49 million fans.

“His talent and knowledge will be important additions to our ballclub, and we are happy to offer him this opportunity to showcase his talents to MLB clubs,” stated Ducks President/CBO Michael Pfaff.

After Bauer was released from the Dodgers, he signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in NPB, recording a 2.76 ERA with 130 SOs. The next year, Bauer went to Mexico, where he pitched for the Diablos Rojos in the Mexican Baseball League. Bauer earned 2024 Mexican League Pitcher of the Year honors after scoring a 10-0 record and a 2.48 ERA.

And now, as he is back again in the US, a second inning in MLB is not out of the question. At least the recent events in MLB indicate the same.

Trevor Bauer could be the next Justin Verlander or Max Scherzer

Trevor Bauer was one of the best arms to come out of MLB, and his 2020 NL Cy Young award is proof. Remember, he had 7.2 scoreless innings in the 2020 NL Wild Card Series for the Reds. He allowed only 2 hits, walked none, and struck out 12 batters.

Most recently, Bauer tied a historic record by striking out 19 batters in a single game in the Mexican League in 2024.

Despite leaving MLB, Bauer hasn’t lost his fireballs.

And that makes him eligible to become the next Verlander and Scherzer.

The 43-year-old Verlander signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Tigers in 2026. He is coming off with a 4-11 record and a 3.85 ERA from last year.

On the other hand, 41-year-old Max Scherzer signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Blue Jays for the 2026 season. He is coming off with a 5-5 record and 5.19 ERA from the 2025 season.

35-year-old Bauer’s 2025 stats include a 4.51 ERA and a 4-10 record in Japan. So, stats-wise, Bauer is at par with Verlander and Scherzer.

Even though he’s had off-field struggles, the charges against him are all settled. And as MLB pulled Pete Rose posthumously from the lifetime ban, Trevor Bauer could also have a second inning in MLB.

“I think I’m one of the best pitchers in the world. I think, talent-wise, I deserve to play in the MLB. Obviously, there are outside circumstances, so hopefully I’ll get a second chance, but I definitely expect to be playing,” Bauer said back in 2024.

Now, the arm is ready, charges are settled, and stats are on his side. A decorated stint with the Ducks could only make Bauer visible in the MLB ballparks. And we could see him retire from the big leagues only!