"It gets held against them" - Trevor Bauer reveals why MLB stars can't record their own action
Trevor Bauer has once again spoken up against the MLB; although this time, it isn't because of any of the on-field decisions the league has taken against him. In a Monday evening post on X/Twitter, the ex-Dodgers pitcher questioned the league's rights against players using any in-game audio for personal creative use.
After Bauer was suspended by the league due to sexual assault allegations in 2022, the starter played in Japan before signing with the Diablos Rojas of the LMB. He has been a strong addition to the roster this season as he is currently 10-0 with an ERA of 1.78 and 117 strikeouts.
During his games, he publishes videos on his social media accounts where he is mic'd up while pitching. He also takes the audience through the entire at-bats. This has been an entertaining segment for fans as they get an insight into the pitcher's strategy, his mindset while facing opponents and his jubilation when successfully converting an out.
Under one of these videos that he posted on Monday, a fan replied and questioned why this hasn't been replicated by any other MLB pitcher. The fan opined that it could boost the league's popularity because of its entertainment value.
Bauer quickly responded, stating the league's rigidity with its content.
"Nope. Mlb guards the rights to in game audio super closely. I got told I couldn’t mic myself up in spring training one year. Also very few players understand the value of doing this. And if they do it, it gets held against them," Bauer wrote.
Do these admissions make it impossible for Trevor Bauer to return to MLB?
Bauer has made a strong case for himself to return to the MLB with his pitching. He has been practically unstoppable during his stints in Japan and Mexico. However, it is his off-field antics that make it difficult for the league to even consider having him back.
Earlier this season, Bauer stated that he even offered to play for a minimum wage if he were called back to the majors. But those chances seem to be slim as most teams would want to distance themselves from a player with a problematic past. Moreover, administrators are bound to be more cautious about his return given his harsh remarks against the league.