What Is Trevor Bauer’s Net Worth?
Trevor Bauer, a prominent American professional baseball pitcher, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $35 million. This valuation is based on his baseball contracts, endorsements, and business ventures.
Trevor Bauer’s Contractual Earnings and Career Highlights
Bauer’s career earnings are significantly shaped by his on-field performance and subsequent contracts. Before the 2020 season, he secured a landmark deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, initially poised to make him one of the highest-paid players in Major League Baseball. In February 2021, Bauer signed a three-year, $102 million contract with the Dodgers. This contract included a $10 million signing bonus, followed by $28 million for the 2021 season, and $32 million for both the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Prior to joining the Dodgers, Bauer earned around $47 million over six seasons with the Cleveland Indians and one season with the Cincinnati Reds. The Dodgers’ contract was structured to provide Bauer with considerable financial security while also allowing him the flexibility to explore free agency after each of the first two seasons through opt-out clauses.
However, Bauer’s tenure with the Dodgers was cut short due to allegations of sexual assault, leading to administrative leave and subsequent suspension. Despite the controversy, he received his full $10 million signing bonus and $28 million salary for the 2021 season.
In April 2022, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced a two-season (324 games) suspension for Bauer. This suspension, if upheld, would cost Bauer $64 million. Had he completed the contract without suspension, his career earnings would have exceeded $150 million. With the suspension, his earnings up to that point are estimated to total $85 million. In December 2023, an arbitrator reduced Bauer’s suspension by 66 games, making him eligible to play for any team. The Dodgers subsequently released him in January 2023, absorbing a significant portion of his remaining salary. Later, Bauer signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball for the 2023 season, the details of that contract were not widely publicized.
Prior to his MLB return, Bauer signed a one-year contract with the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League in February 2024, with plans to return to MLB later that year. He pitched five games with Diablos Rojos del México before securing a deal with an MLB Team.
After a lot of speculation, Bauer signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds, and the contract was confirmed on March 13, 2024.
On March 23, 2024, Bauer exercised his opt-out clause after not making the Reds’ opening day roster. The Reds had until March 25 to add Bauer to their MLB roster or release him.
Early Life and Collegiate Career
Trevor Bauer was born on January 17, 1991, in North Hollywood, California. He graduated from Hart High School in Santa Clarita, California, a year early with a 4.8 GPA. He then attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played for the UCLA Bruins baseball team. Bauer’s performance at UCLA significantly boosted his profile, leading to his eventual selection in the MLB draft. He finished his freshman year with a 9-3 record and a 2.99 ERA.
In 2009, Bauer was named to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team and the Baseball America freshman All-American team. In 2010, Bauer and the Bruins played in the 2010 College World Series. That same year, he was a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award. In his final year, he broke numerous school records, including strikeouts, wins, and innings pitched. He won the Golden Spikes Award and the National Pitcher of the Year Award, and was named Pac-12 Conference Pitcher of the Year and selected to the All-Pac-12 First Team.
MLB Career
Bauer’s MLB career began after he was selected third overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2011 Major League Baseball draft. He made his debut with the Diamondbacks on June 28, 2012, and secured his first major league win on July 8 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
On December 11, 2012, Bauer was traded to the Cleveland Indians as part of a three-team deal. During his initial years with the Indians, his record was 6-9 with an ERA exceeding 4. In October 2016, he injured his pinky finger while working on a drone, requiring 10 stitches. Despite the injury, he pitched in the 2016 American League Championship Series (ALCS), though his stitches reopened during Game 3, limiting his performance. He also pitched two games in the World Series against the Chicago Cubs, losing both.
Bauer was named to his first All-Star Game in 2018. On August 11 of that year, he sustained a stress fracture after being hit by a line drive, sidelining him for a month. On July 31, 2019, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in a three-team deal. His most successful season came in 2020, during the shortened COVID-19 season. He posted a 5-4 record with a 1.73 ERA in 11 starts and won the National League Cy Young Award with 27 of 30 first-place votes.
Business Ventures: Momentum
In 2019, Bauer co-founded Momentum, a sports media company, with his business partner Taiki Green. Momentum focuses on player-driven storytelling to connect fans and professional athletes. It became the first player-led media company credentialed by Major League Baseball. Popular series include “Bauer Bytes” and “Live At Bats.” Bauer also documented his 2020 season and free agency in vlogs titled “Inside the COVID Season With Trevor Bauer” and “Inside The Offseason with Trevor Bauer,” respectively.
Charitable Activities: 69 Days of Giving
Beginning in 2018, Bauer launched the “69 Days of Giving” campaign, donating $420.69 to 68 different charities. His final donation was $69,420 to Max S. Hayes High School, located near Progressive Field in Cleveland, where he played for the Indians.
Personal Life
Bauer describes himself as a socially liberal free-market capitalist. Some of his past statements, particularly those questioning the theory of humanity’s contributions to global warming and referencing the “birther” movement associated with Barack Obama, have drawn scrutiny.
While specific details of his real estate holdings, private planes, or luxury cars are not publicly available, it’s reasonable to assume that a portion of his earnings is allocated to these types of assets, commensurate with his high-income status.
Net Worth Considerations: Potential Fluctuations
Trevor Bauer’s net worth is subject to fluctuations based on factors such as investment performance, endorsement deals, and potential legal settlements. The suspension and subsequent release from the Dodgers significantly impacted his earning potential, highlighting the risks associated with off-field conduct. His future earnings will depend on his performance and opportunities in professional baseball, as well as the success of his business ventures.