Trevor Bauer, an American League Cy Young Award winner and All-Star, is undoubtedly talented on the mound. However, his outspoken attitude and off-field controversies have made him a polarizing figure in the baseball world.
On Tuesday’s episode of the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast, fellow starting pitcher Anthony Kay, who shared a clubhouse with Bauer while both played for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), offered his honest perspective on Bauer’s character.
“He was a great teammate for everyone,” Kay said (Timestamp: 21:10). “Obviously, he didn’t have the success that he wanted this year, but he was still an open book for everyone. He’s one of the smartest guys out there, as far as baseball goes. The fact that he was still willing to help out all the teammates despite the struggles that he had kind of showed me how good of a teammate he actually was.”
After two impressive seasons in NPB, Kay and the BayStars parted ways at the conclusion of the 2025 season. Soon after, Kay secured a return to Major League Baseball (MLB), signing a two-year, $12 million contract with the Chicago White Sox on December 9.
### Trevor Bauer’s Chances of Returning to MLB
Following his initial MLB stint, which ended amid off-field controversy, Bauer is currently classified as an unrestricted free agent. This status allows him to sign with any of the 30 MLB franchises. However, many analysts remain skeptical about his chances of returning to the big leagues.
Patrick Lyons, a Rockies analyst, shared his thoughts during the November 26 episode of ‘The Rockies Insider’ (Timestamp: 20:52). “Why aren’t any teams interested in Trevor Bauer? Something’s going on there, you’d have to think, right? No one is giving him a try,” Lyons said. “Personality-wise, Trevor Bauer is the exact opposite of the players the Rockies typically try to target. They like good soldiers; they like guys that don’t make too many waves.”
Lyons added, “Could be he’s a changed man. I think he probably deserves an opportunity, but I don’t know who’s going to give him that opportunity.” (Timestamp: 26:47)
At present, Bauer remains a free agent. Like Anthony Kay, he parted ways with the BayStars after the 2025 NPB season concluded. His next move remains uncertain as MLB teams weigh the pros and cons of offering him another chance in the majors.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-white-sox-s-12m-arm-shares-true-feelings-trevor-bauer-s-character