Former Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer emerged unscathed from a frightening car crash in Arizona on Wednesday, when his McLaren sports car was T-boned by another vehicle. The incident occurred as Bauer, now pitching for the Long Island Ducks in the independent Atlantic League, was in the state for rehabilitation of a back injury.
Details of the Crash
According to photos and video released by TMZ Sports, Bauer was seen standing next to his severely damaged McLaren, which had come to rest on a sidewalk, while speaking with police officers. Debris from the collision was scattered along the road for several hundred metres. The outlet reported that Bauer was not at fault; a source close to the pitcher stated he was driving in a 45 mph (72 km/h) zone when another driver struck him, sending his McLaren spinning out of control. The other driver also did not require hospital treatment, and it remained unclear whether any charges would be filed.
Statement from the Long Island Ducks
Ducks president Michael Pfaff released a statement on social media Thursday morning, confirming the team was aware of the accident. “We are aware Trevor Bauer was in a car accident Wednesday afternoon,” the statement read, noting that Bauer is receiving treatment for back spasms in Arizona, where he resides. “We have communicated with Trevor and his camp and are thankful to hear he is OK. He will continue his rehabilitation and there remains no timeline for his return to the field.”
Bauer’s MLB Career and Suspension
During his MLB career, Bauer pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and Los Angeles Dodgers, compiling a record of 83-69 with a 3.79 ERA. However, he has not pitched in the majors since being suspended in 2021 over sexual assault allegations, of which he was later cleared. He was initially placed on administrative leave and later suspended for 324 games, reduced to 194 on appeal. Although eligible to sign with any MLB franchise, Bauer claims he has been blackballed since the allegations. In 2024, he asserted that it was “an MLB decision” whether he would ever sign with another team, though the league denied this. In a recent bid to return to the majors, Bauer offered his services for free to any MLB team, but no team has taken him up on the offer. In recent years, he has pitched in Japanese and Mexican professional leagues.
