Bauer signs 1-year deal with Japanese club Yokohama BayStars

Free-agent right-hander Trevor Bauer has signed a one-year deal with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of the Japanese Central League, the team announced Monday.

"I can't tell you how excited I am to be playing for the BayStars this year," Bauer said in a video statement on the team's website. "Playing in (Nippon Professional Baseball) has always been a dream of mine, and I can't think of a better organization to do it with."

The 32-year-old has been a free agent since the Los Angeles Dodgers released him in January. Bauer signed a three-year, $102-million contract with the Dodgers before the 2021 season.

Los Angeles cut the former Cy Young winner with $22.5 million remaining on his deal after MLB suspended him a record 324 games for violating the league's domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy. An arbitrator reduced the suspension to 194 games before the Dodgers released him.

Three women publicly accused Bauer of sexual assault, with one San Diego woman unsuccessfully filing for a permanent restraining order against the pitcher.

Bauer said his interactions with the women were consensual after each said he choked and struck her. He wasn't charged with a crime.