David Wells’ latest controversial take?
Trevor Bauer, who hasn’t played in the majors in three seasons after being suspended for violating MLB’s domestic violence policy, deserves a second chance.
The former Yankees pitcher, who trashed “woke culture” and companies like Nike and Bud Light on the team’s Alumni Day last season, said he believes Bauer has atoned for his actions .
“I hope so. … I guess people are scared,” Wells told Fox News Digital of Bauer getting another shot from MLB. “He was a heck of a pitcher. He should go. I mean, look at all those guys from the past who are screwing around and getting into trouble And they got second, third, fourth chances.
Wells, best remembered for his four-year stint in the Bronx in the late 1990s and early 2000s, said the pros outweigh the cons for owners who might consider signing Bauer.
“Why don’t you try your luck with a guy?” I mean, if I was an owner and I saw this guy’s abilities, and he’s not going to be a distraction to the team, and he’s going to go out and pitch, why wouldn’t you give him a Second chance ? he said. “I believe in second chances as long as they’re solidified and his was.”
Wells isn’t the only former All-Star to express support for Bauer as his former Dodgers teammate Mookie Betts praised the pitcher as a “great guy.”
Bauer, 33, has not pitched in the majors since June 2021, when he was placed on administrative leave after being accused of sexual assault by Lindsey Hill.
Several other women later made accusations against him.
The 2020 Cy Young Award winner was ultimately handed a 324-game suspension which was later reduced to 194 games.
Bauer was not criminally charged, but said he was “reckless” during encounters that he simultaneously described as consensual.
After Bauer served his suspension, he was released in January 2023 by the Dodgers – who had signed him to a three-year, $102 million contract before the 2021 season.
Wells, 61, pointed out that athletes can be seen as “targets.”
“In sports, you’re targeted so much by so many bad people,” Wells said. “You just have to be able to blur the lines and try to make the right decisions. And because we are targets. Athletes are targets. I don’t care – men or women, you are targets. And people will go out there and try to get the best of you and get a reaction and sue you or whatever.
Bauer sought to reinvent his image in hopes of landing another opportunity to play in the majors.
The former All-Star said he would accept an MLB minimum salary to prove himself and claimed several teams have expressed interest.
Last season, Bauer pitched for the Yokohama Bay Stars in Japan, going 10-4 with a 2.76 ERA in 19 starts.
This season, Bauer has lit up the Mexican League, posting a solid 9-0 record with a 1.51 ERA in 11 starts, including a dazzling 19 strikeout performance in his last start.
However, Bauer’s efforts did not result in a contract as his outings during spring training, including a start against the Yankees in Mexico, were largely ignored.
For his part, Bauer recently threatened legal action if an MLB opportunity doesn’t materialize.
“I would really prefer not to go down that path, but if I continue to be kept out of baseball like I am now, I may have no other choice,” he said in a message to .
New York Post
