The Indians may be open to trading Trevor Bauer.
Cleveland is expected to be “aggressive listeners” about potential deals for the 28-year-old starter, according to a report from FOX Sports and The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
The Indians entered the All-Star break with a 50-38 record. They trail the Twins by 5 1/2 games for first place in the American League Central and hold a 1 1/2 game lead over the Athletics for the second wild-card spot.
Despite being in playoff contention, Cleveland could consider moving Bauer, according to the report.
How interested are the @Yankees in Pitcher Trevor Bauer?@Ken_Rosenthal explains: pic.twitter.com/MmYtTVoTrs
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 8, 2019
Rosenthal added:
“It is still not clear whether they would trade him, but there are a lot of reasons to trade him. … He's going to make $20 million (in arbitration), about that, next year, and then walk as a free agent. So if that all is the case — and it is — it would behoove the Indians to think of some things now and maybe get some Major League help in return."
Bauer holds an 8-6 record with a 3.61 ERA in 20 starts so far this season. He has struck out 149 and walked 51 in a league-leading 132 innings on the mound.
The Yankees are expected to add at least one pitcher before the July 31 trade deadline and have been linked to Bauer. But, they could turn their attention elsewhere if Cleveland’s asking price is too high as they’re also reportedly expected to pursue Zack Wheeler and Marcus Stroman.