David Wells’ latest controversial take?
Trevor Bauer, who has not pitched in the majors in three seasons after being suspended for violating MLB’s domestic violence policy, deserves a second chance.
The ex-Yankees pitcher, who ripped “woke culture” and companies such as Nike and Bud Light at the team’s Old-Timers’ Day last season, said he believes Bauer has atoned for his actions.
“I hope so. … I guess people are afraid,” Wells said to Fox News Digital about Bauer getting another MLB shot. “He was a hell of a pitcher. He should go in. I mean look at all these guys in the past who crap all over themselves and get in trouble. And they got second, third, fourth chances.”
Wells, best remembered for his four-year stint in the Bronx in the late 1990s and early 2000s, said the pros outweigh the cons for owners who may consider signing Bauer.
“Why would you not take a chance on a guy? I mean, if I was an owner and I saw the ability in this guy, and he’s not gonna be a distraction to the team, and he’s going to go out and pitch, why wouldn’t you give him a second chance?” he said. “I believe in second chances as long as they’re solidified and his was solidified.”
Wells is not the only former All-Star to express support for Bauer as his ex-teammate with the Dodgers, Mookie Betts, lauded the pitcher as a “great guy.“
Bauer, 33, has not pitched in the majors since June 2021 when he was placed on administrative leave after being accused of sexual assault by Lindsey Hill.
Several more women later came forward with accusations against him.
The 2020 Cy Young Award winner was eventually handed a 324-game suspension that was later reduced to 194 contests.
Bauer was not criminally charged but has said he was “reckless” during encounters he simultaneously labeled as consensual.
After Bauer served his suspension, he was released in January 2023 by the Dodgers — who had signed him to a three-year, $102M deal before the 2021 season.
Wells, 61, emphasized that athletes can be viewed as “targets.”
“In sports, you get targeted so much by so many bad people out there,” Wells said. “You just got to be able to cover your tracks and try to make the right decisions. And because we’re targets. Athletes are targets. I don’t care – men or women, you’re targets. And people are going to go out there and try to get the best of you, get a reaction and either sue you or whatever.”
Bauer has sought to reinvent his image in hopes of landing another opportunity to pitch in the majors.
The former All-Star has stated he would accept a minimum MLB salary to prove himself and claimed that several teams have expressed interest.
Last season, Bauer pitched for Yokohama Bay Stars in Japan, going 10-4 with a 2.76 ERA in 19 starts.
This season, Bauer has lit up the Mexican League, posting a sterling 9-0 record with a 1.51 ERA in 11 starts, including a dazzling 19-strikeout performance in his last start.
Nevertheless, Bauer’s efforts have not led to a contract as his outings during spring training, notably a start against the Yankees in Mexico, were largely ignored.
For his part, Bauer recently threatened a lawsuit if an MLB opportunity does not materialize.
“I’d really prefer not to go this route but if I continue being kept out of baseball as I currently am I may have no other choice,” he said in a post to X. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that and I’m allowed to return to my career that was taken from me over provably false allegations that never held any merit to begin with.”
