MLB Rumors: All-Star Pitcher’s Career In Dire Straits Even If Appeal Succeeds – Report

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer’s two-year suspension may end his MLB career, several baseball insiders have suggested.

The MLB announced late last month that it is suspending the 31-year-old pitcher without pay for two full seasons following the league's investigation of domestic violence and sexual assault allegations made against him.

Bauer is appealing the MLB's decision but is not allowed to pitch while it plays out.

As of this writing, there is no telling if the All-Star pitcher’s appeal will be successful. The worst-case scenario for him is that the league will uphold the suspension — something that would save the Dodgers about $65 million as they would not have to pay his 2022 and 2023 salaries, Fansided pointed out.

Assuming Bauer picks up all his options in his three-year deal, his contract with the Dodgers is set to expire after the 2023 season, the outlet noted.

As Bauer was not credited for time served after being on paid administrative leave since July 2, 2021, he potentially would still be under suspension by the time he hits free agency.

Baseball insiders and pundits shared their thoughts and predictions on Bauer's MLB career and the possibility that he could end up with a new team.

ESPN insider Jeff Passan previously polled current and former baseball executives, players, lawyers and others with a connection to the sport and revealed that many of them believe Bauer would never pitch again.

Another MLB insider, Jon Heyman, appeared to share similar views, writing in a piece for the New York Post that Bauer "received a virtual death penalty" when the MLB announced the two-year suspension.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale also suggested that Bauer "may never put on a major league uniform again," noting that the athlete will have gone three years without playing if he loses his appeal and returns in April 2024.

Given his current predicament, it remains to be seen if the Dodgers will stick with Bauer once his current deal runs out. As things stand now, he will lose roughly $60 million and won't be able to play for 324 games if the suspension is upheld.

The penalty meted by the MLB on Bauer is by far the harshest punishment handed out under the sport's domestic violence policy.

"In the strongest possible terms, I deny committing any violation of the league's domestic violence and sexual assault policy," read the statement Bauer shared via Twitter following the MLB's ruling. "I am appealing this action and expect to prevail. As we have throughout this process, my representatives and I respect the confidentiality of the proceedings."

Three women have come forward and accused Bauer of sexual assault.

The 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner was accused of sexual assault by a San Diego, California, woman who requested a restraining order. A judge denied the request last year, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office declined to file criminal charges in February.

A woman from Columbus, Ohio, also accused Bauer of choking her unconscious without her consent dozens of times during their relationship.