January 6th, 2023 at 8:20 am 
by Ron Cervenka It’s finally here. Decision Day. The day that the Dodgers must decide (or at least announce) what they plan to do with beleaguered soon-to-be (on January 17) 32-year-old right-hander Trevor Bauer.
Truth be told, it is impossible to believe that Dodgers ownership, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, and Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes haven’t known for quite some time what they plan to do with the North Hollywood, CA native and first round draft pick (third overall) in 2011 by the Arizona Diamondbacks out of UCLA. It’s just that today, January 6, 2023, is the day that teams must announce their respective 40-man rosters heading into Spring Training 2023. As such, it is also the day that the Dodgers must reveal their decision on Bauer.
(Ron Cervenka)
The Dodgers can either:
- A) Put Bauer back on their 40-man roster (which would require a corresponding roster move), knowing full well that doing so could significantly impact season ticket sales and most definitely impact ticket sales on days that he would pitch.
- B) Release him from the organization (which would require them to pay him the $22.5 million that they owe him for the 2023 season. This could be reduced to around $21.8 million if he signs with another team for the MLB minimum of $720,000).
Not exactly great options, right?
Which will it be?
Stay tuned…
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Posted in 
Dodgers will keep him and add him to the 40 man roster to buy more time to try and trade him. Puts the ultimate decision off until Spring Training or regular season starts.
I agree, Dick; just too much money to throw away. That said, it will definitely be ugly … at least for a while.
We should know soon.
I will not be surprised if Bauer opts out once he is put on the 40-man roster, take his $15M payout from Dodgers, and become a free agent to sign with any team he chooses. That is the only way he can get more than $22.5M in 2023.
This would take some of the heat off Friedman and the team. But the initial decision to add him to the 40 still won’t go over too well.
There will be some blowback when/if team puts him on 40-man roster, but I don’t think it will be a big deal until he reports to Spring Training. Spring Training could be ugly — even when he is throwing bullpens. It seems like there is a 50/50 split between Dodgers fans wanting him gone and those wanting back on the team. What a mess!
Would the $15M buyout count against the CBT?
My understanding, yes.
Hader Osuna, Chapman, Urias, for better or worse, sins are forgotten when success occurs on the field.
when he strikes out 10 in 6 scoreless the crowd will be pleased, if he can shut his mouth and put his stupid sword away, the crowd will cheer.
I want to win. That’s my priority. I don’t want to cheat. Bauer solves all of our Starting pitching issues. We would be 5 games better, takes the heat off of May and Gonsolin. Gives them a chance to get in gear.
Bauer Urias Kershaw as good as any 3 in baseball.
RELEASED