After a slow offseason in which the Dodgers watched division rivals stack their squads, the Boys in Blue finally have a new star. According to various reports, free-agent Trevor Bauer will sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bauer was reportedly choosing between the Dodgers and the Mets. He spent the bulk of his career in Cleveland, followed by two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. Last season, Bauer won the AL Cy Young award, but the Reds were eliminated early in the playoffs.
Trevor Bauer will boost an already-strong rotation, joining Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, and David Price (who sat out last season). The Dodgers will need all the tools they can get as the NL West Divison gets stronger. The San Diego Padres will pose a serious threat, having acquired Yu Darvish and Blake Snell.
The terms of Bauer’s deal are $102M over three years. He is set to make $40M in 2021 and $45M in 2022. Additionally, he may opt-out after each year. The Mets reportedly also proposed an offer to Bauer in that range. Since he chose the Dodgers, they are likely giving Bauer more money.