Former Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer will depart from the Long Island Ducks to sign with Diablos Rojos del Mexico of the Mexican League.
The Ducks announced the move on Monday, bringing an end to a memorable short stint. It also marks the fifth Ducks player to have their contract transferred this season.
“I want to thank the Long Island Ducks organization for giving me the opportunity to be part of the team,” Bauer said. “I’d also like to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, the clubhouse staff, and everyone behind the scenes who made my time here so enjoyable. From day one, everyone welcomed me and treated me incredibly well, and I’m grateful for the relationships and friendships I’ll take with me.”
After making his return to the minor leagues, Bauer boasted a 5-1 record with 66 strikeouts and a 2.36 ERA. Across seven starts, he walked just seven batters in 42 innings.
Highlights from the season include tossing a no-hitter at Lancaster on April 26. He also set a franchise record for earning 15 strikeouts against Gastonia on May 12. For his efforts, he received Atlantic League April/May Pitcher of the Month honors.
“The support from the fans and the Long Island community has been truly special. We had sold-out crowds at home, packed stadiums on the road, and fans traveling from all over the Northeast just to come watch me pitch,” Bauer said. “What stood out most was how many people I met who weren’t even baseball fans but came out to a game because of my content or because they were curious to see me pitch,” Bauer added. “I also met a lot of people who told me they had fallen out of love with baseball and had reconnected with the sport through my content and my time here with the Ducks.
“Hearing those stories and getting the chance to meet so many people after games, sign autographs, and spend time with fans and their families meant a lot to me. I’ll always appreciate how warmly I was embraced by the Long Island community and by baseball fans throughout the Northeast. I’m excited to rejoin my teammates with the Diablos Rojos as we pursue a third consecutive championship, and I wish everyone with the Ducks organization nothing but success moving forward. I hope our paths cross again in the future.”
Bauer was once a 12-year MLB veteran who was recognized as the top pitcher in the National League after winning the Cy Young in 2020 and holding the ERA title. However, following allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence, Bauer received a 194-game suspension.
Yet, the Los Angeles District Attorney declined to file criminal charges against him due to insufficient evidence. A lawsuit was then settled in 2023, and a judge ordered Bauer’s accuser to owe him nearly $310,000.
Bauer took his talents to Japan, spending two seasons with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of the Nippon Professional Baseball. He then returned to the minors with the Ducks.
“Trevor exceeded every expectation during his time with the Ducks,” team president Michael Pfaff said. “From his dominance on the mound to his commitment to fans and support of our organization, he made a tremendous impact both on and off the field. While we had hoped to see him return to Major League Baseball from Long Island, we are excited for this next opportunity and wish him continued success in Mexico.”
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