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MLB Rumors: 5 teams who should trade for Trevor Bauer

By Brad Berreman

CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 13: Starting pitcher Trevor Bauer #47 of the Cleveland Indians pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Progressive Field on July 13, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 13: Starting pitcher Trevor Bauer #47 of the Cleveland Indians pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Progressive Field on July 13, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: John McCoy/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: John McCoy/Getty Images /

3. Houston Astros

Speaking of the Astros, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported early last week they were “said to be among the most interested” in Bauer. They are firmly in the mix for a starter heading toward the deadline, with Marcus Stroman and more recently Robbie Ray prominent in rumors.

But Houston has significant background elements to consider. Bauer is, shall we say, a unique personality as much as he is a good pitcher. He openly accused Astros’ pitchers of cheating last year, with Lance McCullers, Collin McHugh and even non-pitcher Alex Bregman responding. It’s also pretty clear there is no love lost between Bauer and college teammate Gerrit Cole.

Leaving any lingering personal conflicts aside, Astros’ players would surely welcome Bauer to the fold in the name of winning a second World Series in three years. A top of the rotation featuring Cole, Justin Verlander and Bauer would be enviable come October, and with Cole and Wade Miley headed for free agency after the season the Astros may like the year of team control Bauer comes with.

Houston now has to worry about warding off hard-charging Oakland in the AL West, with a real need to bolster the starting rotation. Bauer is apparently on their list, as he should be as long as there’s any indication the Indians are open to moving him.

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