Fans know the Chicago Cubs need better pitching in 2023 if they want to become playoff contenders.
While the team spent the offseason making adjustments to their roster, the starting rotation hasn’t seen a real shake-up.
One player who can easily upgrade their starting rotation is Trevor Bauer.
However, the suspended star pitcher is finding no love from the Cubs.
No surprise but Cubs not interested in signing Trevor Bauer.
— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) January 14, 2023
While Bauer is a cheap option, the Cubs aren’t willing to commit a PR nightmare by signing him.
Ownership in Chicago is wise to keep him away from the team, despite his stellar pitching career.
For them, they see him as a potential disrupter of the clubhouse because of the sexual assault allegations against him.
With him serving a suspension for violating the league’s domestic violence policy, he’s got too much baggage to sign him.
Fans and MLB teams have every right to have suspicions with Bauer.
While he’s never been criminally charged, the MLB investigation found enough reason to suspend him for two years.
However, the suspension was reduced by an arbitrator, which means Bauer can return in 2023.
But the cost of signing him is more than the league minimum he will get this season if he gets a contract.
The cost will be the locker room and fan base of the team.
With the press around, having Bauer will come with those members of the press constantly asking players questions about him.
If the Cubs want to make the playoffs, they can’t afford any distractions in 2023.
It’s why the team is passing on him, even at a bargain price.
NEXT: Is Zack Britton A Cost-Effective Upgrade For The Cubs Bullpen?