Former Dodgers Pitcher Trevor Bauer Joins Long Island Ducks

Bauer will serve as the opening day starter for the independent Atlantic League team.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:37pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted tones, conveying the complexity and uncertainty surrounding Bauer's return to professional baseball.A fractured, cubist interpretation of a pitcher's motion captures the complexity and uncertainty surrounding Bauer's return to professional baseball.Los Angeles Today

Trevor Bauer, the former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher who has been accused of sexual assault by multiple women, has signed with the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League. Bauer, who has not played in the U.S. since 2021, will start on opening day for the Ducks and will be 'Mic'd Up' for all games and practices.

Why it matters

Bauer's signing with the Ducks represents his first opportunity to play professionally in the U.S. since serving a 194-game suspension for violating MLB's sexual assault and domestic violence policy. The move also raises questions about whether Bauer will be able to work his way back to the major leagues.

The details

After being released by the Dodgers in January 2023, Bauer has only received opportunities to play professionally in Mexico and Japan. The Ducks are offering Bauer a chance to showcase his talents to MLB clubs while also providing fans with unprecedented access through his being 'Mic'd Up' for all games and practices.

  • Bauer last pitched in the MLB on June 28, 2021.
  • Bauer served a 194-game suspension for violating the league's sexual assault and domestic violence policy.
  • The Ducks will open their season on April 21, 2026.

The players

Trevor Bauer

A former Cy Young Award-winning pitcher who has been accused of sexual assault by multiple women and has not played in the U.S. since 2021.

Michael Pfaff

The president and chief business officer of the Long Island Ducks.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to welcome Trevor to Long Island. His talent and knowledge will be important additions to our ballclub, and we are happy to offer him this opportunity to showcase his talents to MLB clubs while giving fans unprecedented access to Ducks baseball.”

— Michael Pfaff, President and Chief Business Officer, Long Island Ducks

“I'm looking forward to competing in front of U.S. fans again this season. The Ducks have had some incredible players come through their organization, and I'm excited to be part of that tradition.”

— Trevor Bauer

What’s next

Bauer is expected to start for the Ducks on their opening day on April 21, 2026.

The takeaway

Bauer's signing with the Long Island Ducks represents his first opportunity to play professionally in the U.S. since his suspension, and it remains to be seen whether he can use this platform to work his way back to the major leagues.