"I don't want to make it look like I'm so desperate" - Trevor Bauer signing dismissed by Cardinals president amid pitching struggles

Although his 194-game suspension expired nearly two years ago, Trevor Bauer is still struggling to land an MLB contract. A league executive recently voiced an opinion about the ace that is likely echoed by war rooms across the league.

In an interview with journalist Frank Cusumano, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak was asked about the possibility of his club pursuing the former Cy Young winner.

Mozeliak, who has served in his role with the St. Louis Cardinals since 2017, was blunt. He acknowledged Bauer's skill, but also spoke about the optics of signing an individual with a lot of baggage and personal drama.

"I just don't know if that would be good for this community, good for our team. And I don't want to make it look like I'm so desperate to have to win that I'd do something that would fly in the face of our moral compass."

In June 2021, Bauer was mere months into his three-year, $102 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers when some heinous accusations were levied. A woman stepped forward accusing the pitching star of sexually assaulting her during an encounter that began as consensual. Soon thereafter, Bauer was placed on administrative leave.

Nearly a year later, the league announced that Bauer would be suspended 324 games, the longest non-life suspension in MLB history. While the ban was later shortened to 194 games, Bauer opted to play in Japan in 2023, inking a one-year deal with the Yokohama DeNa BayStars of NPB. The 33-year-old was never charged in relation to the sexual assault case.

Even after going 10-4 with a 2.76 ERA in Yokohama, MLB teams were still hesitant to give Bauer a look. Now a member of the Diablos Rojos of Mexico's LMB, views that mirror those of Mozeliak's held by other executives now represent Bauer's biggest hurdle.

Trevor Bauer remains committed to finding an MLB contract

Despite winning the 2020 NL Cy Young Award as a member of the Cincinnati Reds, Bauer remains unsigned. In addition to the baggage of the sexual assault case, Bauer is known for attracting attention, stirring controversy, and using social media as a tool for both. Recently, Bauer claimed:

"There’s not a single mlb team out there that has 3 starters better than me. Let alone 5. And I’m as cheap or cheaper than any of them since I’m willing to play for the minimum."

If a team like the Cardinals, who desperately need strong pitching, are still looking the other way, then Trevor Bauer's road back to MLB might be even more harrowing than many expected.