Trevor Bauer of the Los Angeles Dodgers has been the subject of one of the most spectacular falls from grace in modern baseball history. Even as he tries to leave the scandal behind him, fans aren't leaving him alone.
In 2020, Trevor Bauer won both the Cy Young Award and the World Series. After posting an ERA of 1.73 in a pair of complete games, the right-hander was beyond reproach.
An ardent supporter of former President Donald Trump, Bauer was never one to shy away from controversy. In June 2021, allegations came to light that would eventually spell the death of his MLB career.
A San Diego woman accused him of sexual assault on multiple occasions. As the trial went on, more accusers and evidence began to pile up and he was placed on leave by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
An MLB investigation convicted Bauer and he was given a 324 game suspension. Although he was able to arbitrate away some of the length of his suspension, he was released by the Dodgers just a month later, in disgrace.
"Trevor Bauer is signing with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization in Japan, per @YamadaSANSPO. The contract is for one year and $4 million plus incentives" - Talkin' Baseball
In March 2023, it was announced that the 30-year old Bauer would be signing with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of the Nippon Pro Baseball league in Japan. The deal is reportedly worth $4 million for one year, and will provide a fresh start for Trevor Bauer.
Naturally, fans are already trolling him as he departs for the Far East. A popular meme involving NBA commissioner Allan Silver and Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving wherein Silver is erroneously quoted as saying, "Get ready to learn Chinese buddy" is popular, with a slight alteration.
One fan even made a reference to Bauer's history of assaults, saying that he would be able to "beat down and choke the competition" in the NPB.
The Yokohama DeNA Baystars are based in the city of Yokohama, Japan. Former players include Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel and Texas Rangers outfielder Yoshi Tsutsugo.
Trevor Bauer aims to evade the limelight in move to Japan
Although he would be eligible to return to play at some point in 2023, Bauer has already lost permanently in the court of public opinion. He can only hope that his troubles in the MLB do not resurface when he gets to Japan.