Trevor Bauer vows to appeal MLB's suspension

Bauer was placed on paid administrative leave midway through the 2021 season after he was alleged to have assaulted a woman during two separate sexual encounters last year. The woman testified in court that Bauer choked her unconscious and punched during sex without her consent. Bauer’s attorneys argued that the sexual encounters were “wholly consensual.” The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office reviewed the case and decided to not file charges.

Allegations from a second woman later surfaced, and Bauer has vehemently denied those as well. He shared a series of text messages that he says prove his innocence against those claims.

Bauer’s suspension is the longest ever under MLB’s current domestic violence and sexual assault policy. It is also noteworthy that in every previous case where a player was suspended, the two sides agreed upon the disciplinary action.

Bauer has maintained his innocence since the allegations first surfaced. The 31-year-old was owed $32 million this season and has a $32 million player option for 2023. If the suspension holds, he will not receive any of that money and will essentially be a free agent.