The deal with Bauer: Yeah, it’s complicated

Trevor Bauer, the 2020 National League Cy Young award winner, was the last of the major MLB free agents to strike a deal, landing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His signing wasn’t a hit, however, with some Dodgers faithful who, according to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times, “are uncomfortable they signed an internet bully with a history of allegations that he harassed women, mocked transgender people and spread conspiracy theories.” Dodgers brass countered that in conversations before the deal was done, Bauer admitted to making mistakes and promised to do better. Hernandez wasn’t sold: “Bauer, who will inherit the No. 27 jersey previously worn by legendary jerk Kevin Brown, won’t be the first unlikable player to represent the Dodgers, and he won’t be the last.” In the end, the three-year, $102million (U.S.) contract, obtained by The Associated Press, was also complicated:

$10 million

Signing bonus: half on March 1, the other half July 1

$28 M

Base salary this year

$32 M

Per season in 2022 and 2023

$2 M

Buyout if he opts out after 2021, but in that case the Dodgers would also get to spread out $20 million of his 2021 salary over 10 years

$15 M

Buyout if he opts out after the 2022 season There’s more ... á Bauer must approve any proposed trade to an American League team between opening day and the all-star game each season of the contract. á After the break, his approval is required only if he makes the all-star team and pitched a total of more than 80 innings before the break, or threw at least one inning in every start.