Cleveland Indians: It’s time to trade Trevor Bauer

The Cleveland Indians are entering the uncomfortable no man’s land between contender and rebuilder. They certainly have the talent to offer a playoff threat, yet extraneous circumstances have forced them to their current predicament.

Picture a fanbase desperate for a semblance of joy, a group of people so dedicated to their team that they have provided their pitiful teams- undeserving of their support- with unequivocal loyalty. The fans of the Cleveland Indians fit this description to a tee and experienced their first taste of victory with the Cavaliers championship in 2016.

A few short months later the Indians sat tied in the bottom of the ninth of a tied 6-6 game, where one run would crown them Champions. The heart of their lineup could not get it done after all and they lost the series shortly after.

It may be too early to pronounce this, yet it would appear as if that is the closest this current core of Indians will come to greatness. The events since have permanently set back the Tribe and their devoted fanbase.

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A surge of a second-half in 2017 placed the Cleveland Indians as clear favorites, however, they could not finish the job against an insurgent, scrappy Yankees time that made it within a game of the World Series. 2018 was not quite as successful, as they were easily dispatched in the ALDS by the Astros.

They currently sit in a position to reach the postseason- the final AL Wild Card slot. Despite this hopeful outlook, many factors have been set against them in recent months. Carlos Carrasco‘s cancer diagnosis has served a devastating blow to the team emotionally and left them in limbo in terms of the future of their rotation.

Corey Kluber began the season struggling and has not yet recovered from suffering a line drive off of the forearm. Adam Plutko and Zach Plesac have both have been admirable in their relief of the beleaguered rotation- posting solid back of the rotation numbers.

Beyond the rotation, their star shortstop Francisco Lindor is on an expiring contract and Cleveland’s status as a small market team may disallow them from signing him beyond 2020. They also lack the fundamental depth that a club contending for a championship, thus they are left to buy or sell.

Perhaps, Cleveland President Chris Antonetti and GM Mike Chernoff can take the precocious approach and accomplish both goals simultaneously. Trevor Bauer is one commodity laden with value. While it would not feasible to sell the most recognizable and popular player on the team in Lindor, Bauer would garner more interest and summon a sizeable return.

They have built up enough rotational pitching depth that they can afford letting the 28-year-old right-hander go in exchange for an outfielder that can contribute immediately. It would be tough to see Bauer play a direct role in the success of the Tribe’s main competition, however, adding Clint Frazier or Kyle Tucker and a prospect would be a vastly tempting proposition.

The steady right-hander has the potential to flourish into an ace on another rotation, as he is one of the most under-appreciated starters in the league. Bauer features a fastball- averaging around 93-95 mph- a sweeping curveball, a slider, and a cutter. He has an easy command of his entire arsenal, the ability to throw each one for a strike.

Overall, the thought of letting Bauer go is very tough for Cleveland to take, however, the offers contain such a prosperous abundance in return that they are required to heed their calls.