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2020 Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer claimed in a statement Monday night that it was his “dream” to play baseball in Japan. Wish granted?
The 32-year-old right-hander, who went unsigned by all 32 Major League Baseball teams following his reinstatement from 194 game suspension, will play for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization in 2023.
While any MLB team could have signed Bauer for the $720,000 league minimum with the Dodgers picking up the remainder of his $22.5 million salary, it was instead the BayStars who gave him a 400 million yen (approximately $3 million) contract.
“I am very excited to be able to play for the BayStars this season. It is my dream to play in the Japanese professional baseball world, and I will be able to show that dream in front of the fans,” Bauer said in a statement released by the BayStars (via Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times).
“As a team, I don’t think there is a better team than the BayStars,” Bauer continued. “I am very happy to have the opportunity to become a member of a wonderful team and aim for the championship together.
“I miss the players and the fans. I’m already looking forward to it, and I’m looking forward to seeing you in the city of Yokohama.”
Trevor Bauer’s agent Rachel Luba echoed the claim that pitching in Japan was one of his “dreams.”
We’ve been waiting for quite some time to finally share this…
Can't wait to see you back on the mound @BauerOutage & can't wait for you to finally get the chance to be the 1st player ever to win a Cy Young & Sawamura like you've always dreamed!
— Rachel Luba (レイチェル・ルーバ) (@AgentRachelLuba) March 14, 2023
Not every baseball fan was buying what Bauer and Luba were selling, however.
“Yes, always his dream to be black-balled by the major leagues and to pitch overseas at a fraction of the salary,” one fan tweeted in response to Trevor Bauer and his agent’s claim. “(Of course he is also glomming onto the Dodger money).”
What an excellent agent. Got a Cy Young-winning pitcher a contract...IN JAPAN! 🤣
— ATalkingBadger (@ATalkingBadger_) March 14, 2023
“Went from pretending MLB teams were interested to claiming it was his dream to pitch in Japan… lol,” another fan joked.
Wow really played the long game, is puig working on a comeback Rachel?
— jordan lam (@jordayylmao) March 14, 2023
“I’m suurrreeee this is what he’s always dreamed of. Lmao,” another fan laughed.
Wait…his dream was to pitch in Japan?
Congrats?— Mr.Padre19 (@dnevin_david) March 14, 2023
“‘LiKe YoU’vE aLwAyS dReAmEd’ said no one but you just now,” another fan assessed.
Ummm......That's the best spin you could put on this??
— wantedcomix (@wantedcomix) March 14, 2023
The BayStars and Trevor Bauer get their 2023 season started on March 31st at the Kyocera Dome against the Hanshin Tigers.