Examining whether Cleveland Indians RHP Trevor Bauer should be the top trade target for the New York Yankees before the deadline.
With the first half of the season officially under the books, the New York Yankees will look to continue their dominance through the coming months. In order to do that, they are likely going to be involved in some trades in the next few weeks. Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Trevor Bauer appears to be a name of interest.
Adding pitching is the top priority before August. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman knows that, and there are reports of interest in the 28-year-old power righty.
The Yankees have all of the requirements to be involved as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. They have the best record in the American League. They have enticing players to deal. There are some very serious needs to address. All of those make the Yankees buyers at the deadline.
Though Bauer isn’t having as stellar of a season as he did in 2018, he’s still pitching strong. In 20 starts this season, Bauer is 8-6 with a 3.61 ERA. He has 149 strikeouts in a league-leading 132.0 innings pitched while boasting a solid 1.17 WHIP.
There are other players the Yankees have been linked to in terms of potential trades. Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman appears to be a top target given his ability to induce ground balls. Though it might be unlikely for either to land in pinstripes, there are still some links to Madison Bumgarner and Max Scherzer.
As Luis Severino’s timetable continues to be murky due to a shoulder injury, the Yankees might find themselves needing to make a deal for an ace that can step in immediately as a Game One starter in the postseason. In the current rotation, it isn’t clear if Stroman would fill that role.
However, Bauer most likely would.
Who would be dealt?
Who the Yankees will have to give up is the big question. Outfield Clint Frazier is the most common name to be dealt before July 31. Seeing as the Indians were the team to initially draft him, he’s likely the centerpiece in a deal. The Bombers, though, would have to add in a few more pieces. Maybe the likes of infielder Thairo Estrada and another young arm would be in the deal.
Giving up four years of control of Frazier for one-plus years of control of Bauer isn’t exactly an aspect of the deal the Yankees will be excited about. But if they are to make a serious run in the postseason, they absolutely need starting pitching. And they need a proven Game One starter, especially if Severino’s campaign continues to be complicated.
Whether a deal will come to fruition remains to be seen. But Bauer should emerge as the top target for the Yankees at the trade deadline.