Trevor Bauer’s brief but impactful tenure with the Long Island Ducks has come to an end.
The Long Island Ducks announced Monday that the former Cy Young Award winner has signed with Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League, transferring his contract to the club where he previously thrived. The move marks the fifth such transaction for a Ducks player this season.
Bauer joined the Atlantic League’s Ducks in early April, making his return to professional baseball in the United States after years spent pitching in Japan’s NPB and the Mexican League. In seven starts for Long Island, the right-hander posted a strong 5-1 record with a 2.36 ERA, striking out 66 batters while delivering memorable performances that included a no-hitter and a 15-strikeout outing.
In a statement released by the Ducks, Bauer expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“I want to thank the Long Island Ducks organization for giving me the opportunity to be part of the team,” Bauer said. “I’m excited to rejoin my teammates with the Diablos Rojos as we pursue a third consecutive championship, and I wish everyone with the Ducks organization nothing but success moving forward.”
Ducks President/CBO Michael Pfaff echoed the sentiment of appreciation while acknowledging the pitcher’s ambitions.
“While we had hoped to see him return to Major League Baseball from Long Island, we are excited for this next opportunity and wish him continued success in Mexico,” Pfaff said.
Bauer, 35, is no stranger to the Mexican League. In 2024, he earned Pitcher of the Year honors with Diablos Rojos, going 10-0 with a 2.48 ERA and helping the team capture a championship. His return positions him to bolster their rotation as they chase another title, with a potential debut eyed for July 3 against Piratas de Campeche.
The polarizing veteran last pitched in Major League Baseball in 2021 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. A lengthy suspension followed allegations that he has consistently denied, and despite strong performances overseas, no MLB club has been willing to bring him back. His time with the Ducks served as a high-profile showcase in front of American fans, complete with innovative “mic’d up” content that drew attention and sold-out crowds to Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Bauer’s departure underscores the realities of independent and international baseball circuits for talented players seeking a path back to the majors. For now, the former National League Cy Young Award winner (2020) will once again toe the rubber in Mexico, where his proven dominance offers the best chance to keep his big-league dreams alive.
