In one of the biggest moves of the MLB offseason, defending Cy NL Young Award winner Trevor Bauer announced he is signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. The announcement comes after the New York Mets aggressively tried to add Bauer to their already talented starting rotation. Instead, he picked the defending World Series champions – who also have a busy rotation.
Bauer’s deal with the Dodgers is a three-year contract worth $ 102 million. Additionally, Bauer may opt out of the deal after the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Over the next two years, Bauer will earn $ 40 million and $ 45 million respectively.
He racked up a 5-4 record to go along with a 1.73 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 73 innings during the 2020 season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ace helped lead the Cincinnati Reds to their first place in the playoffs since 2013.
While the Dodgers were ultimately Bauer’s destination, his official website had a link to the new Mets merchandise for the star pitcher about an hour before the announcement. There was also a Bauer’s signed Mets hat listed as a gift on the site.
These links and elements were eventually removed. Then there was a Bauer’s Dodgers signed hat listed as a gift.
So, not surprisingly, Mets fans had a lot to say about Bauer and his decision to sign with the Dodgers. After all, the team caused a sensation earlier this offseason when New York acquired All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor in a trade with the Cleveland Indians. The Mets front office hoped to pair Bauer with figures such as Jacob deGrom, Carlos Carrasco and Marcus Stroman.
Bauer’s agent Rachel Luba even had a few goodbye words for Mets fans.
Here’s how the Mets fan base reacted to Bauer’s signing.
