Jun 23, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (27) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres
(Queens, NY) – Ahead of the 2021 season, the New York Mets were looking to make a splash in free agency, in order to upgrade their starting rotation.
Quickly, then-free agent Trevor Bauer was quickly linked to the Mets, as the right hander openly flirted with the team’s fan base on social media. Ultimately, Bauer – a Southern California native – decided to sign with with Los Angeles Dodgers. If you aren’t aware, that relationship quickly soured, after Bauer was very publicly accused of beating and sexually assaulting a women he had met.
It’s only natural to wonder: what would have happened if Bauer had chosen the east coast over LA? Would his story have been different? Let’s explore the alleged facts surrounding the case.
That woman, Lindsey Hill, alleged that she’d met Bauer for “rough sex” that eventually went too far. She claimed that Bauer had choked her and left her with bruises. That eventually led to Bauer being place on administrative leave, and he was ultimately released by the Dodgers. He now pitches in Japan, having maintained his innocence throughout – and it’s worth nothing Bauer was never charged with a crime in the alleged incident.
On Monday, Bauer took to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to share his side of the story. He explained that Hill had dropped her lawsuit against him, and he in turn had dropped his defamation lawsuit against her – under the terms that he is allowed to discuss the case publicly. Bauer shared a video, in which he discussed digital evidence and text messages alleging that Hill had engaged in a smear campaign against him. He alleges her motive was to get cash – and that her attorneys attempted to negotiate a cash settlement.
Plainly stated, minus other, new evidence, it seems Bauer was wrongly accused. Ultimately suspended 194 games, Bauer missed out on significant wages, and his reputation was sullied. At the conclusion of the video, the pitcher maintained he’s focused on moving forward and winning games while entertaining fans.
Bauer was effective in Japan, pitching to a 10-4 record with a 2.75 ERA and 128 strikeouts. He may have interest in returning to the MLB ranks. Perhaps he’ll end up in New York, just like he almost did a few years back.
The Mets have a need – after trading away Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, the team needs more veteran presence atop its rotation. And the word is the Mets are looking to corral their spending this offseason. Bauer, given the baggage and time off, may be willing to settle for a one-year deal. In fact, the right hander routinely discussed his preference for such deals prior to inking his Dodgers contract.
Would the fans embrace Bauer? That’s less certain. But as what appears to be the true story surrounding the allegations against him emerges, it seems the man deserves a second chance.
Then again, an Arizona-based woman filed a lawsuit against Bauer making similar claims. So the Mets front office will likely want to do their due diligence, and/or let that case play out before making any serious pursuit of Bauer.
