Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images
Trevor Bauer has been out of Major League Baseball since 2021. The Cy Young winner last pitched for the Dodgers where he won eight games and posted a 2.59 ERA.
He was booted after violating the MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy. Since, he’s bounced around various international leagues.
Those stops have included time in Mexico and Japan. He’s now back in the United States as his pursuit of a big-league return continues.
Trevor Bauer wants help remodeling his image.
The pitcher is playing for the Long Island Ducks in 2026. He signed with the Atlantic League organization this April.
🚨 PLAYER SIGNING 🚨
10-year @MLB veteran and 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner @BauerOutage is the newest member of the Ducks! He is currently slated to serve as the our opening night starter on Tuesday, April 21st!
📰: https://t.co/VLUwmEcLBm pic.twitter.com/gdoBU6Pcyp
— Long Island Ducks (@LIDucks) April 2, 2026
Unfortunately, a path to the MLB is unavailable at his current stop. The Ducks, an independent member affiliated with Major League Baseball, do not have ties to a specific pro club.
There is no option of a promotion.
With that being said, he says he has made contact with MLB organizations. He also claims that those talks have been largely positive.
His talent is not in question. He opened up on his negative image in a recent press conference.
Trevor Bauer says he’s talked with every MLB team about a comeback. He says they do not question his “talent or effectiveness.” So is it his image after sexual assault allegations that scares teams? I asked him that today. @news12li pic.twitter.com/cNXgpGxU3u
— Kevin Maher (@KMaherNews12) April 18, 2026
“All the conversations I have privately are good,” he said. “My image is what it is. I don’t control my image, unfortunately. You guys (the media) control my image. If you could do me some favors on that front, it would be helpful.”
Trevor Bauer wants to return to the MLB. He has made attempts in the past, unsuccessfully. He blames his image, not his abilities.
The pitcher posted a career record of 83-69 across ten pro seasons. That was headlined by a Cy Young season in 2020 with the Reds.
One year later, he was out of the league. He needs help getting back to the bigs.