Trevor Bauer is making a return to the mound, but this time it's with the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. After a five-year hiatus from Major League Baseball, the 35-year-old right-hander is set to take the ball as the Ducks' Opening Night starter on April 21.
Bauer's journey through the majors is well-documented. He spent a decade in MLB, showcasing his skills with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Guardians, Cincinnati Reds, and Los Angeles Dodgers. His career highlight came in 2020 when he snagged the National League Cy Young Award, boasting a stellar 1.73 ERA in a pandemic-shortened season with the Reds.
In 2021, Bauer inked a lucrative three-year, $102 million deal with the Dodgers. However, his MLB career hit a significant roadblock in 2022 when he faced a suspension for violating the league's joint sexual assault and domestic violence policy. Initially set at 324 games, the suspension was later reduced to 194 games.
Since his MLB days, Bauer has taken his talents overseas, pitching in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball in 2023 and 2025, and Mexico's Liga Mexicana de Béisbol in 2024. Now, he's back stateside, ready to bring his experience and talent to the Ducks.
As Bauer steps onto the field for the Ducks, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his skills translate back to the American baseball scene. His presence is sure to add intrigue and excitement to the Atlantic League this season.