A right-handed relief pitcher, he worked in 97 games in Major League Baseball as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals (1960–1963) and New York Mets (1963–1964).

Along with Bauta, the Cardinals got a minor league second baseman whose path to the majors was blocked by a future Baseball Hall of Famer, Bill Mazeroski.

The young second baseman, Julián Javier, would play for the Cardinals for a dozen seasons, make two National League All-Star teams, and help St. Louis win three pennants and two World Series championships.

Seeking another left-hander for their bullpen, the contending Cardinals traded Bauta to the last-place Mets for Ken MacKenzie on August 5.

Bauta worked in 17 games for the Mets over the 1963 and 1964 seasons, all in relief, but was ineffective: he lost his only two decisions, posted a poor 5.28 ERA, and recorded only one save.