Trevor Bauer, former Cy Young winner, to resume career in Japan

Trevor Bauer, released by the Los Angeles Dodgers after receiving the longest suspension ever under Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy, will resume his pitching career in Japan.

Bauer, the 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner whose record 326-game suspension was upheld by an arbitrator who reduced it to 194 games, has signed a one-year deal with the Yokohama Baystars of the Japanese Central League, the team announced Monday.

"I can't tell you how excited I am to be playing for the BayStars this year," Bauer said in a video posted by the team. "Playing in the NPB has always been a dream of mine, and I can't think of a better organization to do it with."

Bauer, 32, has not pitched since June 28, 2021, three days before MLB placed Bauer on administrative leave after a Pasadena, California woman accused him of non-consensual sexual acts on two occasions. An investigation by Pasadena police was turned over to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office, which opted not to press charges after eight months of gathering evidence and deliberations.

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During the course of MLB's investigation, two Ohio women came forward with accusations of abuse, dating to Bauer's time with the Cleveland and Cincinnati Reds organizations.

Bauer has denied any wrongdoing, calling all interactions with the Pasadena woman "wholly consensual." Bauer was entering the final season of a three-year, $102 million contract when his suspension was upheld and the Dodgers released him.

Bauer was paid while on administrative leave but lost $37.5 million in salary for the duration of his suspension. The Dodgers still owe him more than $24.4 million in 2023 salary.

Any MLB franchise was free to sign Bauer for the major league minimum after he cleared waivers, but no club at least publicly expressed interest. He'll reportedly earn a $4 million salary with the Baystars, plus incentives.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trevor Bauer, former Cy Young winner, signs deal to play in Japan