The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Thursday they have released right-hander Trevor Bauer. Bauer, 31, was designated for assignment last Friday, giving Los Angeles seven days to trade, release, or waive him.  A release was inevitable because finding a trade partner was close to impossible, and no team would claim Bauer on waivers or absorb the $22.5 million owed him. The Dodgers are still responsible for the $22.5 million remaining on Bauer’s contract, and now that he’s been released Bauer is free to sign with any team.

An arbitrator reduced Bauer’s suspension under MLB’s domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy from 324 games to 194 games, which is still the longest suspension in the policy’s history. The Dodgers opted to cut ties and remove Bauer from the organization.

Bauer has not pitched since June 28, 2021, following accusations that he had assaulted a woman. The Pasadena Police Dept. announced the following February that he would not face criminal charges, but MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred suspended Bauer last April.

Bauer signed a three-year contract worth $102 million with the Dodgers prior to the 2021 season. The arbitrator who reduced his suspension ruled that he will play without pay for the first 50 games of this season, reducing his 2023 salary from $32 million to approximately $22.5 million.

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