As the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline has approached, it's seemed to be a matter of not "if" but "when" the Cleveland Indians would trade Trevor Bauer.
But according to one baseball insider, that question might not be answered until the offseason -- or even later.
On Wednesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN published a column titled "10 things to watch in the two weeks prior to the MLB trade deadline." And Passan's third thing to watch centered around Bauer, who is one of the bigger names on the trade block many have assumed would be moved before July 31.
But from what Passan's heard, that may ultimately not be the case.
"Executives think Bauer is the best pitcher to be had," Passan writes. "They don't necessarily believe the Indians are going to deal him -- Bauer was very available this winter (and spring) and didn't go anywhere -- but they won't shy away from asking. Because they know Indians president Chris Antonetti and GM Mike Chernoff are trying to thread the very delicate needle of not fading as the tenures of Bauer and, sooner or later, shortstop Francisco Lindor end."
Passan, however, also noted that the Indians have plenty of incentive to deal Bauer, who remains under team control through the 2020 season.
For one, the 28-year-old has already publicly stated that he won't sign a long-term contract with Cleveland -- or any other team -- opting instead for a series of one-year deals. And given the financial realities of the Indians, that could prove costly as soon as next season when the right-hander is scheduled for his third year of arbitration, which could net him a salary nearing $20 million.
As a result, this summer may be Cleveland's best bet for maximizing a potential return, since any team acquiring Bauer would do so with him under its control for the next two postseasons. Plus, given the depth of their starting pitching staff, it's feasible the Indians could trade Bauer and actually getting better if they are able to also bring back reinforcements for what's been a largely inconsistent lineup this season.
"Trade him now? Sure. Don't trade him now? Fine," Passan wrote. "They can do it this winter. Or again at the deadline next year."
An All-Star a season ago, Bauer has amassed an 8-7 record, 3.65 ERA and 160 strikeouts in 21 starts this season. With trade rumors that date back to the offseason, the former first-round pick has been linked to the Yankees, Padres, Reds and Astros, among others, in trade speculation.