The Criminal Investigation and Non-Prosecution
In July 2021, the Los Angeles Police Department investigated allegations of sexual assault by Bauer's accuser, a woman he had met through social media. The accuser alleged that Bauer had choked her to unconsciousness and sexually assaulted her during encounters in April and May 2021. Bauer's defense maintained that all sexual activity was consensual and that both parties had agreed to rough sexual activity before their encounters.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office declined to file criminal charges in February 2022, citing insufficient evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. This decision reflected the challenges of prosecuting consensual kink-related claims where both parties' conduct and communications create ambiguity about consent.
The Civil Lawsuit
Following the criminal non-prosecution, Bauer's accuser filed a civil lawsuit in federal court. Civil cases apply a lower preponderance-of-the-evidence standard than criminal prosecution. The civil lawsuit alleged sexual battery and sought damages. Bauer filed counterclaims alleging defamation.
The parties reached a confidential settlement in 2024, resolving both the plaintiff's claims and Bauer's counterclaims. The terms were not publicly disclosed consistent with standard confidentiality provisions in sensitive civil settlements.
The MLB Suspension and Appeal
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred suspended Bauer for 324 games in April 2022 under MLB's joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy -- the longest suspension ever issued under that policy. Bauer appealed the suspension, and an arbitrator reduced it to 194 games in December 2022, which with time already served allowed Bauer to return to play.
Bauer spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons largely out of MLB, pitching in Japan's NPB in 2023. He signed with several MLB organizations in 2024 and 2025 as he attempted a return to the major leagues, with mixed results in terms of team interest and performance.
Bauer's Defamation Counterclaims
Bauer's legal strategy included aggressive defamation counterclaims against his accuser and, separately, against sports media personalities and reporters he alleged had made defamatory statements about him. His attorneys argued that public statements characterizing him as guilty of crimes of which he was never charged exceeded protected opinion and constituted actionable defamation of a public figure.
The success of defamation claims by public figures is constrained by the actual malice standard, which requires proving the defendant knew their statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for truth. This demanding standard limited the viability of many of Bauer's claims. Related: Mel Tucker Title IX and employment proceedings.
Current Status 2026
The civil lawsuit settled confidentially in 2024. Bauer remains a controversial figure attempting to rebuild an MLB career after his reinstatement. No further active litigation between the original parties is publicly pending.
How to Get Legal Help
If you believe you qualify based on the eligibility criteria described above, the next step is a free consultation with an experienced attorney. Most plaintiff-side attorneys handling these cases work on contingency -- meaning you pay nothing unless your case results in a recovery. Bring any relevant documentation including receipts, correspondence, or evidence of the harm you experienced.
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Trevor Bauer Lawsuit: Sexual Assault Allegations & MLB Reinstatement: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about this case and your legal options.
Was Trevor Bauer convicted of anything?
No. The LA County DA declined to file criminal charges in February 2022.
Did Trevor Bauer settle the civil lawsuit?
Yes. The civil lawsuit settled confidentially in 2024. Terms were not publicly disclosed.
How long was Trevor Bauer suspended from MLB?
Initially 324 games, reduced to 194 games on appeal. With time served during the investigation, this allowed him to return to play.
Is Trevor Bauer still playing baseball?
As of 2026, Bauer has been attempting an MLB comeback after pitching in Japan's NPB in 2023.
What is MLB's domestic violence policy?
MLB's Joint Policy on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse allows the Commissioner to suspend players under investigation or found to have violated the policy, separate from any criminal proceedings.