Why the Boston Red Sox Should Sign Pitcher Trevor Bauer

[bobby]

Why the Boston Red Sox Should Sign Pitcher Trevor Bauer

In the ever-evolving world of Major League Baseball, finding the right pieces to bolster your team's roster is a delicate balance between performance, potential, and fit. As the Boston Red Sox continue their pursuit of a competitive edge in a fiercely contested American League East, one name that has recently surfaced as a potential acquisition is pitcher Trevor Bauer. The enigmatic former Cy Young Award winner has been a polarizing figure both on and off the field, but his skillset is undeniable. Here's why the Boston Red Sox should consider bringing Bauer into their pitching rotation for the 2024 season.

1. Elite Pitching Talent

Let’s get one thing straight: Trevor Bauer is a highly skilled pitcher. When he’s at his best, he’s one of the most dominant arms in all of Major League Baseball. Bauer’s 2020 Cy Young Award win with the Cincinnati Reds highlighted his elite performance, and his overall career numbers back up his status as a top-tier starter. With a career ERA of 3.79 and an impressive strikeout rate, Bauer can be a key asset to any rotation. Despite his controversial moments, on the mound, he is undeniably one of the best.

The Red Sox currently have a rotation that includes young talents like Brayan Bello and Chris Sale, but they still lack that proven, frontline starter who can anchor the staff. Bauer has consistently shown that he can handle the spotlight, and his ability to shut down opposing offenses with a diverse pitching arsenal would significantly improve the Sox's chances in a tough division.

2. Bounce-Back Potential

Bauer’s 2021 season was marred by off-the-field controversies, leading to a suspension, and he was eventually released by the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, it’s important to recognize the potential for a bounce-back season. Bauer is a competitor and one of the most analytical pitchers in the game, constantly tinkering with mechanics and developing new ways to attack hitters. He’s shown a commitment to improving his game year after year, and a fresh start with the Red Sox could be just what he needs to return to form.

The Red Sox have a track record of rehabilitating players with high potential who have faced adversity. If Bauer can regain his previous form, he could be a bargain for the team, providing a high upside at a relatively low cost given his recent lack of employment.

3. The Pitching Staff Needs Depth

While the Red Sox have some promising young pitchers, they still lack overall depth in their starting rotation. With Sale's injury history and questions about the consistency of other pitchers, having a proven starter like Bauer would give the team some much-needed stability. Bauer has logged 200+ innings multiple times in his career, and he can give the Sox innings in bunches, something they sorely need.

Additionally, Bauer’s ability to go deep into games would ease the burden on a bullpen that struggled last season. A workhorse at the top of the rotation could set the tone for the rest of the staff, providing both leadership and a reliable arm.

4. High-Strikeout, Low-Walk Approach

Bauer’s strikeout ability is one of his greatest assets. Over his career, he’s consistently posted strikeout rates well above the league average, making him a strikeout artist who can miss bats at will. This high strikeout rate would be a perfect fit for Fenway Park, a notoriously hitter-friendly ballpark. Bauer's strikeouts would help limit the number of base runners and provide him with a safety net when facing tough hitters in the American League East.

Additionally, his ability to limit walks (career walk rate of 2.7 BB/9) is crucial for keeping runners off the bases and avoiding the big innings that have hurt the Sox in recent seasons. The combination of control and swing-and-miss stuff would complement the Sox's existing pitchers who excel at limiting contact.

5. A Chance to Embrace the Boston Spotlight

Bauer’s personality and his embrace of the spotlight have often made him a controversial figure. But one thing is for certain: Bauer thrives in a high-pressure environment. Boston, with its passionate fanbase and storied history, would provide the perfect stage for Bauer to prove himself once again. Many players have struggled under the weight of Boston’s expectations, but there’s also a long list of those who have embraced it and thrived—Bauer could very well fall into the latter category.

The Red Sox are no strangers to players with bold personalities—look no further than the likes of David Ortiz or Pedro Martinez, who became beloved figures in Boston despite their own off-the-field stories. Bauer could fit the mold of a fan-favorite, especially if he performs on the mound and delivers in big moments.

6. A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move

Perhaps the most compelling reason for the Red Sox to pursue Bauer is that, at this point, signing him is a relatively low-risk, high-reward move. With Bauer's suspension behind him and his legal troubles settled, he’s a free agent looking to rebuild his career. He won’t command the kind of long-term, lucrative deal he might have a few years ago, making him a potential bargain for a team willing to take a chance.

If the Red Sox can sign Bauer to a short-term deal, it provides them with a potential ace without the long-term financial commitment. If things don’t work out, they haven’t tied themselves down for years to come. If Bauer performs at a high level, he could help push the Sox back into postseason contention and even be a trade asset if the team is not in contention by midseason.

Conclusion

While Trevor Bauer’s off-field controversies cannot be ignored, his on-field talent is undeniable. For a team like the Boston Red Sox, who are looking to contend in a competitive division, Bauer presents a unique opportunity. With his elite pitching skills, potential for a bounce-back season, and the Red Sox's history of embracing players with bold personalities, Bauer could be the final piece of the puzzle the team needs. If the Sox are willing to take a chance on Bauer, they could find themselves with a frontline starter capable of helping them return to the playoffs and beyond.

In the end, signing Trevor Bauer could be the smart move for the Red Sox—a calculated risk that could yield high rewards both on and off the field.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I find Bauer to be absolutely annoying both on and off the field, and that's ignoring his extra-curricular "activities". I want nothing to do with him.

[Bellhorn04]

No.  As I keep pointing out, the Sox had a PR disaster from using Matt Dermody for 1 game in 2023.  I think Chaim Bloom was thoroughly shocked, flustered and embarrassed by the firestorm Dermody created. 

Bauer's only shot is with a low-profile team that's not under the media microscope like Boston, where if he pitched well and behaved he might refurbish his image.  But it looks like not even those teams are interested.

[Duran Is The Man]

hell yeah...sign him up.

[bobby]

yes Bauer is  diva but he has never been charged with any of the allegations.  MLB couldn't even find anything he did wrong.  I'm not saying he did or didn't do which was alleged but District Attorneys found lack of evidence to move forward.  Yes he is a maniac on the field but so aren't most great pitchers.  Its a low risk option to go with whatever pitcher we sign or trade for.

[notin]

I’ve defended Bauer’s off-field antics more than most, but this is a weak case.

First of all, is he really elite talent? Was he ever?  Bauer has had one season greater than 3.1 bWAR, which is fewer than Rick Porcello.  That one season was his truly elite 2018, in which he was worth 6.0 bWAR.  But that was coming up on SEVEN YEARS AGO, back in a time when Corey Kluber and Porcello mattered.

B-R.com lists his most similar pitchers as Chad Billingsley, Chris Young and Julio Teheran.  That’s not elite company.

And all of that was, again, a long time ago.  Bauer is only 33, but he hasn’t faced MLB hitters in nearly 4 years.  Could he pitch in MLB?  I have no doubts.  But will he return to being a top of the rotation arm? Most definitely not.  At this point, what you get from Bauer you can probably get from any of a dozen other free agents, none of whom have his baggage…

[Bellhorn04]

With Bauer, the risk of unwanted distractions hanging over the team can't even be computed.

[notin]

49 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

No.  As I keep pointing out, the Sox had a PR disaster from using Matt Dermody for 1 game in 2023.  I think Chaim Bloom was thoroughly shocked, flustered and embarrassed by the firestorm Dermody created. 

Bauer's only shot is with a low-profile team that's not under the media microscope like Boston, where if he pitched well and behaved he might refurbish his image.  But it looks like not even those teams are interested.

Comparing Dermody to Bauer is a joke.  The two are never going to be treated equally until Dermody wins himself a Cy Young.  What Dermody did was similar to Josh Hader’s scandal.  But while Dermody run out of town, Hader moved on after a simple “oops.  My bad.”

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Not into malakas, Dino.

The last guy a young core of players needs to show them how not to act on and off the field, the last guy a manager with a tainted past needs to deal with, the last guy an insecure organization trying to earn back fan trust needs, the last guy Sam Kennedy needs to hold Damage Control pressers and answer honest questions about... is this bigmouth sociopath.

[Bellhorn04]

7 minutes ago, notin said:

Comparing Dermody to Bauer is a joke.  The two are never going to be treated equally until Dermody wins himself a Cy Young.  What Dermody did was similar to Josh Hader’s scandal.  But while Dermody run out of town, Hader moved on after a simple “oops.  My bad.”

And if Hader was playing for Boston it might have been a different story. 

Duran's incident might be a relevant comp.  He seems to have survived it, but I would submit that if there's a repeat occurrence it could result in them having to move him. 

[Bellhorn04]

Keep in mind that the Dodgers released Bauer just weeks after he was reinstated by MLB and was free and clear to rejoin the team.  According to what they said publicly, the process they went through before making that decision included polling the players.  They described it as a unanimous decision. 

[notin]

13 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

And if Hader was playing for Boston it might have been a different story. 

Duran's incident might be a relevant comp.  He seems to have survived it, but I would submit that if there's a repeat occurrence it could result in them having to move him. 

Can we stop pretending Boston is the only city with media scrutiny? 
 

Hader was playing in Milwaukee at the time, but we all heard about his tweets.  Duran’s survival proves my point - that the treatment is different for All Stars than it is for 32yo career minor leaguers.  Bauer is the former, which is why Dermody is irrelevant here.

Want more proof?  Read the article, which is now part of that Big Bad Boston media.  Read the posts.  People are defending Bauer.  No one ever defended Dermody…

[notin]

(Comment removed)

[notin]

15 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

Keep in mind that the Dodgers released Bauer just weeks after he was reinstated by MLB and was free and clear to rejoin the team.  According to what they said publicly, the process they went through before making that decision included polling the players.  They described it as a unanimous decision. 

That was 4 years ago.  Lots of water under the bridge.  Way back then, Wander Franco was dating girls his own age, for example.

My issue with Bauer is, what does he really have left?  The Sox might be able to get 4-years ago hiatus Bauer stuff from Cole Irvin or Griffin Canning. At a minimum, Sean Manaea or Nick Pivetta.  None of these guys have his baggage and all are easier to assess.

The Bauer Ship has sailed…

[Bellhorn04]

27 minutes ago, notin said:

That was 4 years ago.  Lots of water under the bridge.  Way back then, Wander Franco was dating girls his own age, for example.

My issue with Bauer is, what does he really have left?  The Sox might be able to get 4-years ago hiatus Bauer stuff from Cole Irvin or Griffin Canning. At a minimum, Sean Manaea or Nick Pivetta.  None of these guys have his baggage and all are easier to assess.

The Bauer Ship has sailed…

Certainly there's a substantial risk he has nothing left.  But given his pedigree, if he didn't have the baggage he would be a low-cost flier.  It's pretty obvious that's not the reason no MLB teams are interested, regardless how minimal the cost.

[notin]

9 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

Certainly there's a substantial risk he has nothing left.  But given his pedigree, if he didn't have the baggage he would be a low-cost flier.  It's pretty obvious that's not the reason no MLB teams are interested, regardless how minimal the cost.

That was definitely the reason he missed 2022 and 2023.

By now, not sure his name carries the same notoriety.  But having no track record against hitters over 4 years as he enters his mid-30s? You’re right he’d be a low cost flier.  But that’s a crowded room and it’s easy to find another one with more recent experience and less baggage.

Bauer’s MLB career, fair or not, is over…

[moonslav59]

I'd give him a shot, but I can understand not wanting distractions.

[Bellhorn04]

55 minutes ago, notin said:

That was definitely the reason he missed 2022 and 2023.

By now, not sure his name carries the same notoriety.  But having no track record against hitters over 4 years as he enters his mid-30s? You’re right he’d be a low cost flier.  But that’s a crowded room and it’s easy to find another one with more recent experience and less baggage.

Bauer’s MLB career, fair or not, is over…

Are you saying that, setting the baggage aside, you wouldn't even bother giving him a shot no matter how low the cost? 

[moonslav59]

If we sign Soto, we may need to try and find some cheaper pitching options.

[notin]

10 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

Are you saying that, setting the baggage aside, you wouldn't even bother giving him a shot no matter how low the cost? 

That’s an unfair question.

If he didn’t have any baggage, he’d have been facing MLB hitters the past 4 years and thus negating my primary concern.  
 

Are you saying you think the Sox should solely avoid him because of his baggage?  And what is it about his baggage, that may or may not have even been real, that is so concerning?

[notin]

12 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

If we sign Soto, we may need to try and find some cheaper pitching options.

Is Bauer really an option?  In the past 5 years, he’s only pitched around 400 IP in a range of leagues around the world.  
 

I think the Sox can find better options in the MLB market alone..

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

1 minute ago, notin said:

Is Bauer really an option?  In the past 5 years, he’s only pitched around 400 IP in a range of leagues around the world.  
 

I think the Sox can find better options in the MLB market alone..

Or in the Dominican -- they have strong connections there!

[moonslav59]

3 minutes ago, notin said:

Is Bauer really an option?  In the past 5 years, he’s only pitched around 400 IP in a range of leagues around the world.  
 

I think the Sox can find better options in the MLB market alone..

I do not see him as an option, whereby you pencil him into the rotation, day one.

He'd be a Criswell-type signing with higher upside.

[notin]

5 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

I do not see him as an option, whereby you pencil him into the rotation, day one.

He'd be a Criswell-type signing with higher upside.

That’s my point, and Criswell is a good example.

I lack faith in Bauer and I am not convinced he’s going to step in and be a Cy Young pitcher again.  He had talent, but even then he was somewhat overrated.  
 

I’ve tossed around a few free agent names like I know what I’m talking about.  But I have faith Bailey and Co. can find another Criswell capable of giving the Sox what they would get from Bauer.

[Bellhorn04]

35 minutes ago, notin said:

That’s an unfair question.

If he didn’t have any baggage, he’d have been facing MLB hitters the past 4 years and thus negating my primary concern.  
 

Are you saying you think the Sox should solely avoid him because of his baggage?  And what is it about his baggage, that may or may not have even been real, that is so concerning?

I thought it was a pretty simple question. 

And if I haven't made myself clear enough about the baggage by now, I don't see much point spending any more time on it...  

[moonslav59]

Bauer was pretty Meh to age 26. 99 ERA+ over his first 730 IP and 123 GS. (4.36 ERA/4.15 FIP)

He had a great age 27 season (2.21 ERA/2.44 FIP) and for the short 2020 season (1.73 ERA in 11 GS). His 2.59 ERA in 17 GS at age 30 was his last season in MLB (2021)

2018-2021 (89 GS and 569 IP)

3.07 ERA (147 ERA+)

3.51 FIP and 1.09 WHIP

11K: 3BB

Pretty damn good.

[Randy Red Sox]

3 hours ago, notin said:

I’ve defended Bauer’s off-field antics more than most, but this is a weak case.

First of all, is he really elite talent? Was he ever?  Bauer has had one season greater than 3.1 bWAR, which is fewer than Rick Porcello.  That one season was his truly elite 2018, in which he was worth 6.0 bWAR.  But that was coming up on SEVEN YEARS AGO, back in a time when Corey Kluber and Porcello mattered.

B-R.com lists his most similar pitchers as Chad Billingsley, Chris Young and Julio Teheran.  That’s not elite company.

And all of that was, again, a long time ago.  Bauer is only 33, but he hasn’t faced MLB hitters in nearly 4 years.  Could he pitch in MLB?  I have no doubts.  But will he return to being a top of the rotation arm? Most definitely not.  At this point, what you get from Bauer you can probably get from any of a dozen other free agents, none of whom have his baggage…

well all that notwithstanding [and I don't like Bauer} if the team is serious about adding a TOP SP and they continue to go the cheap route like the past 3-4 years then Bauer on a cheap 1 year deal makes sense. But if the Sox are truly willing to acquire TOP talent this offseason then I stay away from Bauer.

[notin]

27 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

I thought it was a pretty simple question. 

And if I haven't made myself clear enough about the baggage by now, I don't see much point spending any more time on it...  

I thought my answer was clear, too.  
 

I’m not convinced Bauer is any better at this point than any other options.  So why bother?

[moonslav59]

15 minutes ago, Randy Red Sox said:

well all that notwithstanding [and I don't like Bauer} if the team is serious about adding a TOP SP and they continue to go the cheap route like the past 3-4 years then Bauer on a cheap 1 year deal makes sense. But if the Sox are truly willing to acquire TOP talent this offseason then I stay away from Bauer.

They can do both. Sign Fried and Bauer as insurance and depth.

[Brock Beauchamp]

3 hours ago, Bellhorn04 said:

Keep in mind that the Dodgers released Bauer just weeks after he was reinstated by MLB and was free and clear to rejoin the team.  According to what they said publicly, the process they went through before making that decision included polling the players.  They described it as a unanimous decision. 

Tito Francona doesn't like Bauer. If Tito doesn't like a guy, he's probably awful. Move on.