The DeNA BayStars on Monday announced they were re-signing pitcher Trevor Bauer, who was moderately successful in 2023 after making some adjustments to his surroundings. I haven’t written much about Bauer, because as he insists, the things that went on between him and his past female accusers were known only to them.

If Bauer pitches as well as he has been able to in the last two years since his suspension for violating MLB’s domestic violence and sexual assault policy, he will keep the BayStars in most of the games he starts. He’s 34, but all things being equal, one wouldn’t expect him to be dramatically less successful unless he suffers from one of the injuries that befall pitchers.

By law, Bauer is innocent of any criminal wrongdoing, as we all are until proven guilty in court, which is different from saying he has been vindicated or cleared. In seeking a restraining order, which was denied, his first accuser made serious allegations under oath that neither Bauer nor his legal team chose to deny.

It doesn’t mean her sworn testimony of his punching and having sex with her while she was unconscious actually happened, but it does mean the woman testified under the threat of perjury which lends legal weight to her claims and make them more than “serious allegations” to use Bauer’s words.

“I was advised not to say anything, so it was one sided,” Bauer said in a YouTube interview.

I’m sure there are any number of reasons Bauer was advised not to testify under oath, but that hollows out his denials of what the judge referred to as credible testimony. He was investigated for sexual assault but charges were not brought, so he remains innocent of that crime.

The sworn testimony, and other allegations deemed credible by MLB, however, were enough to secure him a record suspension.

Eventually, Bauer sued his accuser for defamation, she sued him for sexual battery. According to ESPN, both sides agreed to drop their suits after she was awarded a $300,000 claim from her insurance company.

Bauer’s claims that he repeatedly turned down his accuser’s efforts to pay him to settle their disputes have not been publicly documented, so they are as good as one takes his word.

In 2023, DeNA chose to sign him, and publicly downplayed his past. There was never a “these issues have surfaced and we are satisfied they are not a problem,” statement. Instead, DeNA said, “He and his agent assured us there were no issues, and we were satisfied.”

Bauer did have at least one blowup on the field in 2023, screaming when his teammates botched a rundown when he was on the mound. On the subsequent play, a comebacker to the mound, he wouldn’t let any of his teammates touch the ball and instead sprinted to the bag to record the out like a drama queen. He’s a competitor and he was pissed off. I get it, but it was a pretty rare sight in Japan, where teams place a high priority on players not showing people up.

Given his past, the BayStars have decided, Bauer’s contributions on the field will outweigh any downside. There was little or no public outrage among DeNA fans over his signing two years ago, and his time in Mexico last season appeared to go off without a hitch.

I can’t evaluate the costs of his signing other than the minimal cost of his taking up a roster spot that exists for every player. If he is in fact a good mentor and teammate, then Bauer will be a bargain for the BayStars.

If he isn’t a good mentor and teammate, then there are other costs.

I once worked in an office where bonuses awarded to members of each department were dependent on that group’s financial successes. Because of that, having a star performer around can mean a better can mean some extra cash for individuals.

One colleague was indeed one of the more talented people I have ever worked with, but he was also petty, and self-righteous. He made going to the office extremely stressful.

Teams thrive when teammates are not only capable performers and responsible but who also reduce the interpersonal drama and contribute to a good working environment that helps others thrive.

One of Bauer’s accusers was charged with felony fraud, and he continues to deny the rest.