Reds and Indians Reportedly Discussing Trevor Bauer Trade in Wild Turn of Events
By Michael Luciano
Cleveland Indians starter Trevor Bauer has been in the rumor mill for some time, with any number of potential contending teams, including the Yankees and Astros, vying for his services. However, Bauer's ultimate landing spot might be with a fourth-place team and the Indians' interstate rival.
The Cincinnati Reds have reportedly been mentioned as a trade partner for Bauer, and are even willing to include top prospect Taylor Trammell in a deal.
#Reds among teams talking to #Indians about Trevor Bauer, sources tell The Athletic. Outfielder Taylor Trammell, one of CIN’s top prospects, among names under discussion. Trammell has regressed this season, batting .236 with a .688 OPS at Double A. @TheAthleticMLB.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2019
Trammell's poor season with the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts has made him much easier to move from the Reds' perspective, perhaps.
It's likely that injured flamethrower and 2018 No. 2 overall pick Hunter Greene, starting center fielder Nick Senzel, and 2019 No. 7 overall pick and left-hander Nick Lodolo will be off-limits in a trade, leaving Trammell and third baseman Jonathan India as the top prospects that would likely head Cleveland's way in a potential deal.
This wouldn't make a ton of sense from Cincinnati's perspective, who either believe they're on tap for a 2011 Cardinals postseason surge or have acknowledged that they will be near the basement of the NL Central, but can't stop acquiring assets.
Reds get Bauer, Mets get Stroman. Worst trade deadline in MLB history.
— Andrew (@AndrewwM_) July 30, 2019
If there is indeed fire underneath the Bauer-to-Cincinnati smoke, then the two most active teams this deadline would have been two fourth-place clubs struggling to stay near .500. As the old saying goes, you can't predict baseball.