Dodgers, Trevor Bauer agree to deal

Reigning National League Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer has agreed to a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The deal is for $102M and includes an opt-out after the first and second year, according to Jeff Passan. Bauer will make $40M in 20201 and $45M next year if he decides to stay. 

Trevor Bauer's three-year deal with the Dodgers is for $102 million guaranteed — and for $40 million in 2021 and $45 million in 2022. He can opt out after each year, meaning he'll make $40M if he opts out this year, $85M if he does so after 2022 and $102M if he stays all three.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 5, 2021

Bauer made the news official on his YouTube channel shortly after reports started swirling on Twitter. The beneficiary of the polarizing pitcher’s talents reportedly came down to the Dodgers and the New York Mets.

This deal puts the Dodgers nearly $30M over the luxury tax heading into this season, and with Justin Turner still unsigned, the question now becomes just how far over the tax the Dodgers are willing to go.

As of right now, the Dodgers’ projected rotation is as such:

1. Clayton Kershaw
2. Walker Buehler
3. Trevor Bauer
4. David Price
5. Tony Gonsolin / Dustin May / Julio Urias

Bauer finished 2020 with a 3.25 xFIP, a 2.94 SIERA and a 2.71 pCRA in 73 innings, arguably his best season — if you want to call it that — of his seven-year career (he was spectacular in 2018).

The addition of Bauer makes a World Series repeat that much more likely for the Dodgers, who might not be done making moves just yet.