The Houston Astros are looking to add a starting pitcher at the trade deadline and are looking at Trevor Bauer, according to a few reports.
MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reported on Tuesday that the Astros and Cleveland Indians have been in trade talks about Bauer.
Sources: #Indians, #Astros have had recent communication about possible Trevor Bauer trade. The extent of progress in talks is unclear. Houston is pursuing multiple starting pitchers, with hopes of landing one. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 30, 2019
The Astros have also explored a Madison Bumgarner trade and reportedly have talked with the New York Mets about Zach Wheeler.
The New York Post’s Joel Sherman says the Astros’ target list includes those three pitchers.
Hear similar, mainly that #Astros badly want to leave deadline with MadBum, Wheeler or Bauer. That is their primary target list. https://t.co/7eRUOuSmiz
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 30, 2019
Bauer, 28, got lit up by the Kansas City Royals in his latest start and had a mini-meltdown when pulled from the game. He has a 3.79 ERA and 185 strikeouts in 156.2 innings this season. He would give a pretty terrific Astros rotation that already includes Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole a nice boost, although things could be uncomfortable at first.
The big issue here is that the playoff-contending Indians may not want to trade Bauer despite exploring talks.
Indians are increasingly unlikely to trade Trevor Bauer. Word is, ownership is reluctant to part with a big star with team in position to make playoffs and possibly even win division again.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2019
