Padres Reportedly Emerge as Front-Runner in Trevor Bauer Trade Talks
By Daniel Marcillo
Earlier in the week, the San Diego Padres were linked to Detroit Tigers pitcher Matt Boyd. However, a new reports states they now have their sights on Cleveland Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer.
The Padres are the best bet for Bauer's traded destination, but that does not mean a trade is imminent. There are many different variables which play into how the trade could play out.
Source: #Padres emerge as most serious suitor for #Indians starter Trevor Bauer, although no deal is close and Cleveland would need to receive immediate @MLB talent in any Bauer trade. Story: https://t.co/W4kGBoxBwW @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 19, 2019
As of Friday, the Indians actually have a better record than the San Diego Padres. The Indians lead the AL Wild Card race, while the Padres are four games out of the NL Wild Card.
This trade would not be your typical one-year rental at the deadline. Bauer has one more control year left and is putting together back to back strong seasons. He is leading an Indians pitching staff beleaguered with injuries.
Buster!!! Buster's deadline deal of the day -- Should the Tribe let it ride or trade Trevor Bauer? https://t.co/luRaQAVpPx
— Jay Crawford (@JaycrawfordCLE) July 15, 2019
Looking at it from the Indians perspective, trading Bauer means they are waving the white flag on this season. Bauer would join Corey Kluber, Carlos Carassco and Danny Salazar as missing links from their rotation.
The Indians will not settle for prospects who are a couple years away from the big leagues. Hunter Renfroe and Franmil Reyes would likely be in a trade package.
Will Trevor Bauer still be in Cleveland after the trade deadline? @AlPawlowski breaks down the scenarios with @Chico923TheFan & @SportsBoyTony https://t.co/kiEOPqEVm3
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) July 16, 2019
For the Padres, their main focus is competing for the NL West crown in 2020. Making the postseason this year would be a plus and ahead of their schedule. Throwing Bauer in the mix would give the Padres a legitimate ace to bolster their good, young rotation for the future.
The downside may be trading away key assets, but the risk/reward might be too much for San Diego to pass up. They have been searching for a winning formula for years and all the pieces seem to be in place to equal a winning team.