The United States welcomes Trevor Bauer back. But the major league baseball diamond he is so used to feels far. The once-celebrated pitcher sported an Asian Breeze jersey and dominated a lineup of Los Angeles Dodgers minor leaguers on Sunday. He threw fastballs that clocked a speed of 99 mph. But what’s next? 

The display of his might was however a far cry from the usual fanfare that his star pitcher status. Unfortunately, no MLB scouts or team executives were available to witness Bauer’s dominance.  With that, it’s time to shed light on the controversy that continues to cloud his future in the major leagues.

A Controversial Past, A Dominant Present

It’s time to understand what happened in 2021. Bauer’s career took a sharp turn when a sexual assault allegation led to his suspension from MLB. The prosecutors eventually declined to press charges, however, the effects of the accusation lingered. After being released by the Los Angeles Dodgers in January 2023, Bauer found his new home in Japan. There, he pitched for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. But this isn’t a happy ending yet.

Despite showing his prowess in Japan and claiming innocence, Bauer’s return to the U.S. hasn’t yielded the warm welcome he otherwise would’ve expected. His recent outing has been impressive, however it wasn’t enough to grab the attention of the big league teams. Bauer maintains his eagerness to return to the majors. He even offered to play for the league minimum salary.

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Bauer has been vocal about his interest in playing the Majors again. He shared, per the Times, “I don’t believe that I was given a lifetime ban. I have served my time. Do I not deserve an opportunity to come back?” He went 10-4 with a 2.76 ERA last season, playing for the BayStars. This is food for thought.

With a Near 100MPH Fastball, Tainted Ex-Dodgers Pitcher Eyes MLB Return After 7 Months in Japan

Dominant on the Mound, Shadowed by Controversy – Will MLB Give Trevor Bauer Another Chance? 

The 194-game suspension that the 33-year-old was sentenced to for violating MLB’s domestic violence and sexual assault policy has been served. But the LA-born continues to serve his punishment. In the hopes of getting his chance back to play the leagues again, he shared, “I just stay ready, and maybe people somehow will remember that I’m still one of the best pitchers in the world.’’

Will Trevor Bauer Get a Second Chance in the MLB?

Bauer’s situation is a complex moral dilemma for teams. On one hand lies his talent and on the other is the baggage of his past. Will his dominance on the mound outweigh the darkness of his controversy? Only time will tell if a team is willing to take a chance on the once-celebrated pitcher.