Trevor Bauer is not in the MLB mainly because of the league suspension tied to sexual misconduct allegations in 2021, plus the fact that teams have been unwilling to sign him since then. Even after he became eligible to return, the combination of legal baggage, public-relations risk, and team reluctance has kept him out of a big-league roster.

What happened

  • In 2021, Bauer was placed on administrative leave after sexual assault allegations surfaced. MLB later issued a lengthy suspension under its domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy, which was reduced on appeal.
  • He has said he has been cleared or vindicated in various legal matters, and that he is eligible to sign with a team, but no MLB club has taken him on.
  • Recent reporting says he remains unsigned despite pitching well outside MLB and even saying he would play for free.

Why teams still pass

  • Reputation risk: clubs may see him as a public-relations problem.
  • Front-office caution: even if he is eligible, teams may not want the scrutiny that comes with signing him.
  • Performance and fit: some discussion around him also points to age, time away from MLB, and whether he is still worth the distraction.

The simple version

He is out of MLB less because of one single rule today and more because the suspension, controversy, and team hesitation created a barrier that has not gone away. In plain English: he may be eligible, but teams still do not want to take the gamble.

Context

There is also a lot of online debate about whether this is a league blackballing issue or just teams making a business decision. Public forum chatter tends to frame it that way, but the verified reporting mainly shows suspension history, legal controversy, and a lack of team interest.

TL;DR: Trevor Bauer is not in the MLB because of the fallout from his 2021 suspension and because MLB teams still do not want to sign him, despite his efforts to return.