Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Trevor Bauer

Discover the career path of Trevor Bauer, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Trevor Bauer is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan's NPB. Previously, he played in MLB for several teams including the Diamondbacks, Indians, Reds, and Dodgers. Known for his analytical approach to pitching and unconventional training methods, Bauer won the Cy Young Award in 2020. His MLB career has been marred by off-field controversies, including allegations of sexual assault, leading to a lengthy suspension by MLB.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

2008: Bauer's junior year performance

In 2008, as a junior, Trevor Bauer had a 12–0 win-loss record with a 0.79 ERA and his fastball reached 92 mph.

2009: Bauer's freshman season at UCLA

In 2009, during his freshman season at UCLA, Trevor Bauer led the team with nine wins and a 2.99 ERA, earning Pac-10 Conference Baseball Newcomer of the Year honors.

2010: UCLA Bruins reach College World Series

In 2010, Cole and Bauer pushed the Bruins to a 10-0 start. The Bruins built a 22-game winning streak, and UCLA reached its first ever College World Series Championship Series. South Carolina swept UCLA in the best-of-three series to win the championship.

2011: Bauer sets UCLA records and wins awards

In 2011, Trevor Bauer set multiple UCLA records, including most strikeouts, wins, and innings pitched. He also won the National Pitcher of the Year Award and the Golden Spikes Award that year.

2011: Bauer drafted by Diamondbacks

In 2011, Trevor Bauer was selected third overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the MLB Draft and later signed with the team on July 25. This came after a stellar NCAA season.

2011: Bauer in 2011 MLB draft.

Trevor Bauer was selected third overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2011 MLB draft.

June 27, 2012: Diamondbacks call up Bauer.

On June 27, 2012, The Diamondbacks called up Bauer from Reno to replace the injured Joe Saunders.

December 11, 2012: Bauer traded to Cleveland Indians

On December 11, 2012, Trevor Bauer was traded to the Cleveland Indians as part of a three-team trade. After the trade, reports surfaced of his unpopularity with Diamondbacks teammates.

December 2012: Bauer traded to the Cleveland Indians

In December 2012, Bauer was traded to Cleveland from Arizona.

2012: Bauer retools pitching delivery

After the 2012 season, Trevor Bauer began retooling his pitching delivery with the Cleveland Indians.

2012: Bauer begins 2012 season as top prospect

In 2012, Trevor Bauer started the season as the Diamondbacks' top-rated prospect and participated in spring training before being assigned to Double-A Mobile.

2012: Bauer makes MLB debut

On June 27, 2012, Trevor Bauer was called up by the Diamondbacks and made his MLB debut the next day. He got his first MLB win on July 8.

2014: Bauer improves performance in 2014

In 2014, Trevor Bauer was optioned to Columbus but later received call-ups. His biggest improvement was limiting walks, lowering his BB/9 rate. He made 26 major league starts, improving his performance.

2015: Indians' Opening Day Roster

In 2015, Trevor Bauer was named to the Indians' opening day roster, joining the starting rotation. He finished the season with an 11-12 record, a 4.55 ERA, and led the AL in walks with 79.

2016: Bauer becomes regular in rotation.

By 2016, Trevor Bauer had emerged as a regular force in the Cleveland Indians' starting rotation.

2016: Move to Rotation and Injury

In 2016, Trevor Bauer began the season in the bullpen but moved into the starting rotation after an injury to Carlos Carrasco on April 25. On June 22, he pitched his second complete game. He finished the regular season with a 12–8 record and a 4.26 ERA. During the ALCS, he injured his pinkie finger while repairing a drone, affecting his performance in Game 3.

2016: World Series Appearances

In the 2016 World Series, Trevor Bauer started Games 2 and 5 for the Indians, losing both games. He posted a 5.40 World Series ERA as the Indians ultimately lost the series in seven games.

January 12, 2017: Contract Agreement with Indians

On January 12, 2017, Trevor Bauer agreed to a one-year, $3.55 million contract with the Indians, doubling his previous season's earnings.

2017: Offseason Practice and New Slider

During the 2017-18 offseason, Trevor Bauer practiced with UCLA alumni to develop a new slider for the 2018 MLB season.

2018: Bauer's All-Star appearance and injury

In 2018, Trevor Bauer made his first MLB All-Star Game appearance, but his career trajectory was interrupted by a stress fracture.

July 31, 2019: Trade to Cincinnati Reds

On July 31, 2019, Trevor Bauer was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in a three-team deal. His debut was challenging, and he described the season as "one step forward, two steps back."

January 10, 2020: Contract Agreement with Reds

On January 10, 2020, Trevor Bauer agreed to a one-year, $17.5 million contract with the Reds, avoiding arbitration.

November 4, 2020: Free Agency

On November 4, 2020, Trevor Bauer rejected the Reds' qualifying offer, becoming a free agent after winning the NL Cy Young Award.

2020: Bauer won Cy Young Award

After 2020 season, Trevor Bauer signed a three-year contract with the Dodgers in February 2021.

February 5, 2021: Signs with Los Angeles Dodgers

On February 5, 2021, Trevor Bauer signed a three-year, $102 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, turning down an offer from the New York Mets.

February 2021: Bauer signs with Dodgers

In February 2021, Trevor Bauer signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent.

2022: Contract Opt-Out Option

In 2021, Trevor Bauer's three-year contract included opt-out options after the 2021 and 2022 MLB seasons.

January 6, 2023: Dodgers Designate Bauer for Assignment

On January 6, 2023, the Dodgers designated Trevor Bauer for assignment. He was officially released on January 12.

March 13, 2023: Signs with Yokohama DeNA BayStars

On March 13, 2023, Trevor Bauer agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan.

March 18, 2024: Bauer announces pitching for Diablos Rojos del México

On March 18, 2024, Trevor Bauer announced that he would start the season by pitching in six games for the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League (LMB).