January 3rd, 2023 at 8:00 am 
by 0799291000348 The Dodgers will make their Trevor Bauer roster decision no later than Friday, January 6, 2023 – either adding him to their 40-man roster, designating him for assignment (DFA), or placing him on release waivers. But there is another option that the team has undoubtedly explored – trading him.
By now, Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes should have a good sense on which, if any, MLB teams have interest in acquiring the talented, beleaguered starting pitcher.
(Juan Ocampo)
While some teams will be concerned with their fans reaction to adding Bauer to their roster, and others are well stocked with starting pitchers, there are likely teams who are willing to take the potential public relations hit in order to increase their odds for reaching the World Series. Even so, opposing teams are likely uncompromising negotiators, expecting the Dodgers to pay a large portion of Bauer’s 2023 salary, perhaps including a high level prospect and/or taking back a bad contract.
Fortunately for the Dodgers, January 6 is not a hard cap for trading Bauer. The team can add him to the 40-man roster by trading or DFA a currently rostered player. Even if the team has no interest in retaining the pitcher, adding him to the roster will provide six more weeks to work out a trade before or shortly after the start of Spring Training.
Which teams might be talking with the Dodgers about a Bauer trade?
While there are American League teams who could use a talented starting pitcher, Bauer cannot be traded to that league without his approval. Accordingly, we will only consider possible National League trade scenarios.
NL West
Although the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres could use Bauer, it is unlikely that he will be traded within the Division.
NL Central
Chicago Cubs – adding Bauer to the starting rotation that already includes Marcus Stroman and Jameson Taillon would push the Cubs into a better position to contend for the Division title. The Dodgers would be required to keep a large portion of Bauer’s $22.5M salary, or take back pitcher Kyle Hendricks ($13.9M AAV). Dodgers could include a mid-level pitching prospect, with the Cubs sending middle infielder Nick Madrigal to LA.
St. Louis Cardinals could be interested in acquiring the starting pitcher, with the Dodgers taking back infielder Paul DeJong ($9.2M salary – $4.3M AAV). Trade could be expanded to include the Dodgers pitching prospect Ryan Pepiot, with the Cards’ centerfielder Dylan Carlson going to LA.
NL East
Philadelphia Phillies could add Bauer by sending non-roster utility infielder Scott Kingery ($8.2M salary – $4M AAV) to LA to offset a portion of Bauer’s salary.
Tell us, Dodgers fans. What do you think of these trade scenarios? Do you have other trade options for Trevor Bauer?
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I make the trade with the Cardinals if I do not believe that Lux and Outman are the answers at SS and CF. If not, getting a solid starter and reserve infielder like Madrigal would be my choice. I do not trade with any of their interdivision rivals.
The Cardinals deal would really help both teams — if the Cards will take Bauer. Putting DeJong at SS with Lux at 2b, Carlson in CF, and Smith/Barnes behind the plate would be a very good middle of the field defense. Some may not want to give up Pepiot, but the Dodgers are loaded with high quality, right handed pitchers. More about Outman in an upcoming piece.
Excellent piece, Jesse.
Thanks
Thank you JP. Finally a voice of reason that understands that the worst thing the Dodgers could do is just cut Bauer and pay him and end up with him on a division rival. He has value and if we are going to pay him we might as well get something for paying him.
Orioles? Pittsburgh in a Bryan Reynolds deal, Brewers Tigers Twins.
Good suggestions for other Bauer destinations. O’s, Tigers, Twins all in the AL so didn’t dig deep into possible trade partners. Pirates are rebuilding and I don’t see them wanting any part of Bauer’s contract. Trading Bauer could open the way for another Pirates and Dodgers trade.
I was thinking maybe we could flip Bauer for Yelich. But yelichs contract is the worst contract in all of baseball.
Yikes.
Love to have Yelich, but not that contract
@Dodgers He should pitch for the Dodgers.
Seems the best scenario is putting him on the 40 man to have six more weeks to negotiate the ultimate outcome and to REALLY make the Padres and Giants worry. Also doesn’t hurt that that would give them a better feel for fan reaction to the (remote) possibility they retain him for the season, or at least the first half of it.
Imagine if they gut out fan reaction to him pitching the first half, he has a good-to-great first half and THEN they trade him! He could possibly bring in a dramatically better haul.
Great points! Thanks
Nick Madrigal is a sleeper and has bat skills that have been compared to Gwynn among being one of the hardest prospect players to strikeout since the late 19th century before his injuries. Reminds me more of Pete Rose though many disregard him because of his incredible lack of pop. I’d love to see the Dodgers pick him up. Madrigal is a force. I like the kid and see tremendous upside potential and will never count him out. Go Nick!
I have followed Madrigal since he was draft eligible, and wished for a trade that would bring him to the Dodgers from the White Sox. My only reservation now, it appears that second base is the best defensive position for both Lux and Madrigal. If Lux can be an adequate defensive shortstop then adding Madrigal for second base would settle the Dodgers middle infield for the next several years. Putting Madrigal at the top, or bottom, of the lineup would be an instant table setter for Betts, Freeman, JD Martinez, Muncy, and Smith.
I know it’s an American League team but trading Trevor Bauer to the Houston Astros makes too much sense. They already have the reputation as MLB’s bad guys so he’d fit right in and they lost Justin Verlander this off-season so they could use a high end starter. Chances are the Astros would even take on some of his salary and that Bauer would be OK getting traded there.
I had the same thought. Would not be a surprise to learn that the Dodgers and Bauer’s agent have discussed to which AL teams he would agree to be traded.
Let’s not forget the guy has an ERA closer to 4.00 when he pitches without stickem. Add in all this time away from competition, and it’s foolish to think he will start the season strong.
It’s not like he’s betting on himself. He could have rejected the Dodgers 2023 contract to become a free agent.
As a Dodger, he was outstanding with 2.59 ERA, 17 games, 107 IP, 137 K’s, 37 BB with no proof that he was using “stickem.” We don’t know if he has been staying in shape, throwing, etc. and he will have all Spring Training to get into competitive pitching shape — basically he has been off as long as he would with TJ surgery, but without the injury — a good case could be made that his period away from the game is actually good for his arm/shoulder. I will not be shocked if Bauer opts out of his contract as soon as the Dodgers put him on the 40-man roster. It would be foolish for him to opt out before then when the Dodgers could release him and having to pay $22.5M.
Bauer was very open about using substances while on the mound in part so that MLB would react. And when they did, my recollection was his performance (like a whole bunch of others) wasn’t as crisp.
I don’t want to give the impression that he’s a bad pitcher who needs a substance to excel. He’s a professional in the Major Leagues and had earned his way there. 4.00 ERA isn’t the end of the world, but it’s also not Cy Young. IMO, his Cy is as much a stickem Cy as Barry Bonds’ MVPs are steroidal. At the end of the day, those particular actions on the field don’t bother me.
Glad to see with his release that Bauer is taking a high road approach. I’m sure once on the mound, he will love to beat the Dodgers. And I don’t think he’ll do much more than a 6 inning outing giving up 3 runs.
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