The Cleveland Indians seem unlikely to deal one of their top starting pitchers now that the start of the MLB regular season is less than two weeks ago, but that hasn’t stopped the San Diego Padres from trying.
According to Ken Rosenthal and Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the Padres and Indians continue to have discussions about possible trades involving Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer. However, a trade before Opening Day remains unlikely due to Cleveland’s asking price.
#Padres in continued discussions with #Indians on starting pitching, sources tell me and @dennistlin. Interest primarily in Bauer or Kluber, but asking price – while lower than before – remains beyond SD’s comfort level. Trade not close, unlikely to occur before Opening Day.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 18, 2019
San Diego and Cleveland have been having serious discussions since at least back in December, but reports have indicated the Indians are asking for a massive haul of prospects if they deal either of their top pitchers. That certainly makes sense for Kluber, who is a two-time Cy Young Award winner and owed just over $52 million total over the next three seasons. Bauer, who also had an outstanding season last year, is just 28 and has two more seasons of arbitration left.
The Indians have had serious talks about Kluber and Bauer with at least one other team, but we’re probably too deep into the offseason for something to happen. Depending on how Cleveland does over the first half of the season, Kluber and Bauer could be shopped again at the trade deadline.
