ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 30: Trevor Bauer #27 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the second inning of Game One of the National League Wild Card Series against the Cincinnati Reds at Truist Park on September 30, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Now that they’ve got him, here’s how the Dodgers starting rotation looks like with Trevor Bauer.
The Los Angeles Dodgers had been mentioned as a possible (though not very likely?) suitor for Trevor Bauer almost all along, and on Friday they got him. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, he’s getting a three-year, $102 million deal that will make him the highest-paid player in baseball history in 2021 ($40 million) and 2022 ($45 million). Bauer can also opt out after either of the first two years.
The New York Mets seemed like the favorite to get Bauer into the late stages, and after they reportedly set a midday Friday deadline for him to decide they’re left holding the bag. The defending world champions are now even stronger.
What does the Dodgers starting rotation look like with Trevor Bauer?
Bauer is from Southern California, which made the Angels a possible suitor for him and made the Dodgers worth mentioning. Ultimately he chose a better shot to win in a return home, and when it comes down to it money talked too.
So here’s how the Dodgers starting rotation looks with Bauer in the mix.
1-Clayton Kershaw
2-Trevor Bauer
3-David Price
4-Walker Buehler
5-Dustin May
Kershaw will get the nod on Opening Day for the Dodgers until he’s done pitching, so Bauer falls in behind him. Price opted out last season, but let’s assume he’ll pitch this year. Buehler and May get bumped down a spot. Julio Urias and Tony Gonsolin are now headed to the bullpen, and they are also fill-in options if Price does not pitch or someone gets hurt.
The Dodgers do not need the help but they probably felt like they had to answer the offseason activity of the rising San Diego Padres. So they willingly usurped the Mets for Bauer, as they eye (at least) back-to-back titles.