APRIL 21: The league and union have agreed to extend Bauer’s administrative leave period through April 22, reports Britt Ghiroli of the Athletic (Twitter link).
APRIL 15: Last month, Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association jointly agreed to extend Trevor Bauer’s paid administrative leave period through April 16 while MLB continues its investigation into assault allegations made against him by a woman last year. On Wednesday, multiple reporters (including Jon Heyman of the New York Post) relayed that the league and union had jointly agreed to extend the leave again through next Friday, April 22.
That seems to push back any determination on his status for at least another six days, but Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reported this afternoon that Bauer is “exploring whether there is in fact a binding agreement in place.” It isn’t clear what Bauer may be looking into, but a source tells Shaikin there is a written agreement between MLB and the MLBPA codifying the leave extension through next Friday — one MLB considers binding.
The administrative leave period is not considered disciplinary; it’s a measure designed to afford the league more time to investigate possible violations of the Domestic Violence, Child Abuse and Sexual Assault policy. Bauer was not charged criminally, but the policy allows commissioner Rob Manfred to levy a punishment even in the absence of charges if the league determines there was a violation. Players have the right to appeal a disciplinary action to an arbitrator.
Bauer is in the second season of a three-year, $102MM contract. He is playing this year on a $32MM salary and has an opt-out clause at the end of the season.
