MLB rumors: 5 players the Minnesota Twins need to trade for

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 06: Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (47) reacts on the mound after giving up a 2-run single to Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson (7) (not pictured) during the sixth inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians on May 6, 2019, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

1. Trevor Bauer, SP, Cleveland Indians

Trevor Bauer got knocked around a good bit in his most recent outing, allowing seven runs in five hits to the Baltimore Orioles last Thursday with more walks (four) than strikeouts (three) over five innings. In two of his last three starts, he has allowed exactly seven earned runs over just five innings of work.

But a hyper, analytics-driven mind like Bauer seems sure to figure out his recent issue, be it mechanical, pitch usage or whatever else. His overall numbers so far this year are still pretty good, too (3.76 ERA, 10.4 K/9 over a league-leading 64.2 innings entering this past Sunday).

The Indians are the Twins’ closest competitor in the AL Central right now, and they’ll likely remain that way for however long it matters. So the idea of essentially punting on the season by moving into sell-mode, and even just considering sending Bauer to Minnesota, may be equally hard pills to swallow.

Next. 5 prospects who can help the Cleveland Indians this year. dark

But there’s a good case for the Twins to be calculated in going all-in on this year, and as such be in the mix for the best players on the trade market. Bauer qualifies on that front, assuming trade rumors resurface as Cleveland inevitably struggles to stay in the playoff race.

Hypothetical Trade:

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