CLEVELAND, Ohio – Will Trevor Bauer be traded before Wednesday's deadline? It’s a question Indians fans have been asking for months. We’re less than 72 hours away from getting the answer.
Bauer allowed eight runs (seven earned) in 4⅓ innings on Sunday against the Royals. The 28-year-old was clearly frustrated and threw a ball over the center field wall.
So, um Bauer is really reaaaaaally unhappy. Holy cow. --#AlwaysRoyal pic.twitter.com/TJDh6ynMOu
— FOX Sports Kansas City (@FSKansasCity) July 28, 2019Some will argue that his struggles and actions, will impact his trade value, but it shouldn’t change things for the Indians. The front office will continue to listen to offers for the right-hander, but the asking price should stay the same.
The Indians have played themselves back into contention. A starting staff that includes Mike Clevinger, Shane Bieber, Corey Kluber and Bauer is dangerous, regardless of who they’re up against in the playoffs.
Cleveland doesn't need to trade Bauer. They aren't desperate to do so, which gives them the advantage ahead of the 4 p.m. deadline on July 31.
The Yankees, Phillies, Brewers and Padres are just a few of the teams that could push to land Bauer at the deadline. New York is willing to part with Clint Frazier and Miguel Andujar in a deal for a starting pitcher according to Jon Heyman. A package involving both players would certainly be appealing to the Indians. Andujar is out for the season with a shoulder injury, but is under team control through 2023. He posted a .297 batting average, with 27 home runs and 92 RBI for the Yankees last season.
Frazier isn’t a good defender, but he's also under team control through 2023. The Indians drafted him fifth overall in 2013 and he could be a valuable piece of their future, while also filling the need for a right-handed bat in the lineup this season.
President Chris Antonetti doesn’t have to trade Bauer by the deadline. A long toss over the center field wall and a poor outing against the Royals doesn’t change that. Bauer is a unique person. He’s had an up-and-down 2019 season. The Indians are also better with him. If they’re going to deal one of their best pitchers, they need to get multiple players who can help the team this season and in the future.
The Indians will make the final decision on Bauer's fate, but it's up to the rest of the league. Is there a team willing to part with multiple young players, including an established hitter for Bauer? If the answer is yes, then he likely made his last start in an Indians’ uniform.
If teams aren’t willing to match the asking price, then the Indians need to be comfortable moving forward with one of the best starting rotations in baseball.
The next few days are critical for the Indians, not only for this season, but their long-term future.
