Trevor Bauer has been the best pitcher in MLB this season and it’s not even close. Through 5 starts for the Cincinnati Reds, the right-hander has posted a 3-1 record with a1.65 ERA, 0.735 WHIP, and 49 strikeoutsin 32.2 IP, including a couple of 7-inning shutouts.
Moreover, Bauer is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, which would make him a likely trade candidate ahead of the August 31 trade deadline if the Reds were sliding in the standings right now.
That’s not the case for the time being and MLB.com’s Jon Morosi already reported that the Reds would love to hold on to Bauer until the end of the season – and beyond – but that situation could change in the upcoming days.
Reds Could Move Trevor Bauer After Series With Brewers
The Reds currently hold on to a mediocre 11-16 record but given the fact that MLB decided to expand the postseason pool, they could still try and make a run at a playoff berth, even if they’re not likely going to make it far in the playoffs.
Then again, they already dropped the series opener (with Bauer in the mound) to the Milwaukee Brewers. They’re sitting 1 game behind the Brewers in their division, so losing a couple more vs. a direct rival could have a massive blow on their playoff aspirations.
That means that Bauer’s fate would most likely depend on what the Reds are able to do at Wisconsin for the next couple of days. If they continue to slide, then Cincinnati has no choice but to at least address the possibility of moving him.
There is a shortage of elite starting pitchers this year and Bauer is surely making his case for being one of them. As the deadline approaches and World Series contenders try and make some moves, more than one team could be tempted to make a nice offer for the 29-year-old.
