After several years of speculation, Trevor Bauer will finally pitch in winter ball tonight.
The 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner will take the mound tonight at Estadio Tetelo Vargas in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, for the Estrellas Orientales of LIDOM. Bauer and the Estrellas will face the Aguilas Cibaenas, who, at 2-5, are not off to a great start in 2026-27.
Bauer, 35, will likely face a tougher test of skill than he has since he last pitched in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in 2025. While it can be hard to accurately compare the level of play in winter ball to affiliated ball as there is a wide mix of talent ranging from active and former Major League Baseball players to players who never made it to affiliated baseball at all, it'd be safe to say that LIDOM is likely the second-best league Bauer will have played in since making his final MLB appearance in June 2021.
After starting the season in the Atlantic League with the Long Island Ducks, where he posted a 2.36 ERA in 42 innings across seven starts, the former UCLA star returned to the Diablos Rojos del Mexico of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol, where he won the Pitcher of the Year award in 2024 behind one of the best pitching seasons ever recorded in that league.
The Diablos sought a third straight title, but it was not to be, nor was another dominant season for Bauer in the LMB. He threw 32 2/3 innings over six appearances and five starts, posting a 4.41 ERA and a 1.163 WHIP, striking out 31 and walking six.
With the Estrellas, Bauer has stated a goal of pitching in the Caribbean Series. To do so, either the Estrellas will need to win the LIDOM title, something they've only done three times in their 116-year history, or Bauer will have to get picked up as a reinforcement by the team that does win the LIDOM title.
Where to Watch – The Dominican Republic’s LIDOM and the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico are streamed live on MLB.tv with commentary in Spanish. You’ll need to have a subscription to watch.
Estrellas Orientales at Aguilas Cibaenas - The completion of Oct. 21's game, which was suspended by rain last week, was again postponed due to heavy rain in Santiago de los Caballeros. They will again attempt to complete the game on Monday, Nov. 4 at Estadio Cibao.
Tonight's LIDOM Schedule
All times Eastern Daylight Time
7 pm. - Leones del Escogido (4-4) at Gigantes del Cibao (4-4)
7:30 p.m. - Aguilas Cibaenas (2-5) at Estrellas Orientales (5-2)
7:30 p.m. - Toros del Este (3-5) at Tigres del Licey (5-3)