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MLB Trade Deadline: 1 trade every team shouldn’t make

By Nathaniel Reeves

Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (47) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (47) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Indians: Dealing Trevor Bauer

At the beginning of the season, Bauer looked like the odd man out in Cleveland’s stacked rotation. Naturally, some trade rumors surrounding Bauer popped up, particularly given the Indians’ need for help in the outfield.

No offseason outfield acquisition occurred, and Bauer was indeed sent to the bullpen by Opening Day. However, it’s already become clear that the Indians need Bauer to be successful in 2016.

Bauer lost his starting rotation job to Cody Anderson, who looked good in Spring Training with increased velocity and excellent raw stuff. However, Anderson has struggled with an ERA approaching eight, and Carlos Carrasco’s injury forced the Indians to go further down the depth chart.

Even in a position of strength, the Indians need the depth that Bauer provides. Bauer is the type of pitcher a team can dream on due to his excellent raw stuff, although he has never put it all together as a starter. For what it’s worth, Bauer’s 3.89 ERA so far is the best mark of his career, and his strikeout rate is up at 25.3 percent per FanGraphs.

While the Indians trail the White Sox in the AL Central, they will be very dangerous if they can get in the postseason. Cleveland may have to deal some prospects to get help for the offense, as Bauer is a piece they should keep.

Next: Colorado Rockies: Selling low on Charlie Blackmon

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