Report: Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer more likely to stay with Cleveland

Persistent rumors of the Cleveland Indians trading one of their top starting pitchers may end up being false thanks to some astute roster moves in other departments.

According to Jon Heyman of Fancred, the Indians are expected to be less aggressive in trying to clear salary after dealing Edwin Encarnacion, Yonder Alonso, and Yan Gomes in separate deals. That could mean that the likes of Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer are more likely to remain in Cleveland for 2019.

After trading Edwin, Yonder and Gomes, word is Indians won’t be as “motivated” by financial concerns now. Translation: Kluber and Bauer more likely to stay.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 15, 2018

Kluber and Bauer trades were both rumored for financial considerations. However, the asking price has been high and the aforementioned deals mean that Cleveland’s Opening Day payroll will likely be a good bit lower than 2018’s pending any further moves. That could be enough to ensure that the big names stay put now.