The Chicago Cubs are looking for starting pitching, but will off-the-field distractions of a former Cleveland Guardians pitcher keep him away?
Speaking to FOX News yesterday, former Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer indicated he was ready to “play baseball here in the United States.” Although there may be some off-the-field reasons why he will not play, would it make sense for him to be on the Cubs roster? The Cubs, just like most teams in MLB, are looking for starting pitching, and his track record (over 21 career WAR) could warrant him a look during spring training. Here are some of the factors that could go either way.
Trevor Bauer and the Cubs
Off-Field Drama
Bauer is not in the majors because of his well-documented issues off the field. Bauer was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers despite his 324-game suspension being reduced to 194. Major League Baseball suspended Bauer in April 2022 for violating the league’s domestic violence and sexual assault policy.
The front office, which has yet to sign a single player this offseason, would have to determine if the juice is worth the squeeze, given the questions that would have to be entertained nearly daily. The Cubs dealt with this distraction when they obtained Aroldis Chapman during their 2016 World Series run. Chapman joined the Cubs after a 30-game suspension from earlier in the 2016 season stemming from domestic violence allegations. So, there is some precedent here if Jed Hoyer and others believe Bauer still has the stuff to help a starting rotation.
Numbers on the Mound
Although there may not be comparable data, Bauer did show during his time in Japan that he can still sling it. In playing for the Yokohama DeNA Baystars, Bauer began his tenure with a seven-inning, seven-hit, one-run debut, winning 4-1. Overall, Bauer posted a 2.59 ERA while winning 11 games for Yokohama. This follows up his two most recent seasons in MLB. That’s where he notched 13 wins in the COVID-shortened 2020 season and 2021 before being suspended. During his Cy Young year in 2020, he led the league in ERA (1.73) and WHIP (0.795). His last impression was good, at least from a statistical standpoint.
Is He Worth Signing?
Yeah, and no, the last pitch he threw in the majors was over two years ago. He will be 33 when spring training starts next month. Bauer could be a significant distraction when pitchers and catchers report. But in a league where second chances have been given to multiple players, Bauer may be worth a flyer. A one-year deal could prove a nice bridge before some young prospects are ready for the big-league club. The prototypical “prove-it” deal could net both the player and the club a win.
Main Photo Credits: Fred Squillante/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
