The New York Yankees are currently in the hunt for a perennial starting picture after multiple fallouts with Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell. While Brian Cashman pivoted to Marcus Stroman, adding depth of some sort wouldn’t hurt anyone. However, options are seemingly limited at the same time. Having said that, former NL Cy Young Trevor Bauer could be a possible fit.
Ever since Bauer was slapped with sexual assault charges in 2021, MLB teams have maintained a distance. Bauer faced a 192-game suspension following the incriminating charges and accordingly lost a contract with MLB. Now, the pitcher is serving in NPB. But is eyeing an imminent comeback. Despite the off-field drama, here are three reasons why the Yankees should pivot to Trevor Bauer.
Trevor Bauer Is Motivated For The MLB Comeback
In his latest public appearance with Theo Vonn’s podcast This Past Weekend, Trevor Bauer revealed that he is open to returning to MLB on a bare minimum contract. Not only that, but he is open to incentive-based pay. For the New York Yankees, having a motivated pitcher fired up to prove himself would only result in success. Notably, Bauer is a former NL CY Young pitcher and was in his prime before legal hell broke loose. If given a chance, the starting pitcher can produce wonders in the short term. It could be a last resort to bolster the starting pitching depth per se.
The Pitcher Has International Experience
In the recent past, the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league’s pitchers have attained a lot of hype in the MLB market. Yoshinobu Yamamoto recently bagged the most expensive pitcher contract this off-season without having thrown a single pitch in MLB. Thus, it is safe to say that NPB success is the new parameter for MLB selection. Meanwhile, after being ousted by MLB, Trevor Bauer moved to NPB, and his numbers on the mound have been decent. He won a game on debut and lasted for seven innings pitched. Not only that, but his fastballs averaged 97mph. Thus, Bauer still has the quality to succeed in MLB in the short term. The Yankees can channel his inner firepower into something fruitful on the mound.
Bauer Has Yankees Fans Support
For these past two years, MLB teams have ignored Trevor Bauer for his off-field drama and not his depreciating pitching abilities. As it stands, Bauer is still very much the same pitcher. All he needs is faith and a little push to unleash his inner beast on the mound. For that, the New York Yankees is a perfect place. Historically, Yankee fans have had Bauer’s back. They love his work on the mound. And if it landed in pinstripes, the fans would surely shower their love on the former CY Young pitcher. There is no denying the fact that Trevor is vocal and expressive. However, having a strong voice like Bauer’s would add to the Yanks’ Evil Empire motivation for the upcoming crucial season. All things said and done, Trevor Bauer is the rotational depth the Bombers need ahead of the 2024 season opening day.
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