Trevor Bauer’s NIL deal is latest sad attempt to remain relevant

First, it was “Do Cool S–t” that former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer tried to promote during his suspension. It pretty much went nowhere, because it’s safe to say not many people want to be even loosely associated with someone who was hit with the largest non-lifetime ban in baseball history for violating the league’s joint domestic violence policy.

Though Bauer was never convicted of a crime and has continued to maintain his innocence after having sexual assault allegations brought against him, he’s essentially been ostracized from the baseball community ever since being placed on administrative leave in June of 2021.

Bauer’s currently appealing the 324-game suspension levied by commissioner Rob Manfred and is suing his accuser, but there isn’t supposed to be any sort of resolution until the offseason. (It’s also important to note Bauer’s accuser is suing him.)

None of the legal distractions or unofficial blackball from the sport have stopped Bauer, though. He’s remained active on social media with his brand (Bauer Outage) and “athlete-driven media company” called “Momentum.”

In an effort to keep his relevance from gulpings its last dying breath, Bauer is now entering the world of NIL deals with hopes of attracting young baseball players to promote his clothing line and media platform.

Dodgers news: Trevor Bauer is attempting to land NIL deals

Here’s what Bill Shaikin at the Los Angeles Times unearthed this week (subscription required):

"“Bauer is appealing the suspension, but in the meantime he is offering college athletes — primarily baseball players — the chance to earn money and gain exposure by promoting his Bauer Outage line of merchandise.“In exchange for free merchandise, the athletes would be ‘required to create quality content on social media’ and would get ‘opportunities for commission and bonuses,’ according to the proposal. Bauer’s representatives confirmed the authenticity of the proposal but declined to comment on the record; the proposal asks athletes to respond by Sunday.”"

Can’t imagine how cringe this’ll be! If Bauer reading poorly from a poorly written script didn’t do it for ya, well, then just wait for the sequel!

The sentiment here is actually genuine and wholesome. The execution is poor, and those willing to line up in an effort to help him promote himself and his stuff probably isn’t the most exemplary of folk.

Yup, nothing screams “successful advertising” like putting on a scowl for the camera with your arms crossed wearing a shirt with a phrase that nobody quite understands. What are we catching up to if you’re lagging behind?

Just like his previous endeavors, fans can’t count on Bauer’s NIL deal being one that salvages his relevancy. Sadly, whether just or not, Bauer’s been a footnote in the baseball world over the last 14 months and every single one of his former teammates has remained silent.

Yeah, there’s a reason the Dodgers’ locker room was furious before and during his unnecessary arrival.

Trevor Bauer’s appeal will unfortunately remain a distraction for Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers will have to deal with Trevor Bauer's suspension appeal for ... a lot longer. Wasn't this supposed to be over?