After months of rumors and innuendo, the Cleveland Indians now have just hours left to decide whether or not they will deal Trevor Bauer before the MLB Trade Deadline.
By 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, the All-Star starter will either be with a new team or remain with the Indians throughout the remainder of the 2019 season.
And according to one report, the latter appears more likely than the former.
With the MLB Trade Deadline a little more than a day away, Bauer has been one of the central topics of conversation -- and not just because of his viral temper tantrum on Sunday. Rather, the right-hander has been believed to be one of the best players actively available on the trade market considering that Cleveland has been listening to trade offers for him since last offseason.
But according to Jon Heyman of the MLB Network, the Indians are now "increasingly unlikely" to trade Bauer between now and Wednesday afternoon. Per the baseball insider, team ownership is "reluctant" to part with a pitcher of Bauer's caliber given Cleveland's position in the playoff race.
As of Tuesday, the Indians trail the Minnesota Twins by just two games in the American League Central, trimming a deficit that at one point had reached 11.5 games. They also currently lay claim to the first A.L. Wild Card spot, boasting a 3-game lead over the third-place Tampa Bay Rays.
But while Bauer would seemingly be an asset in Cleveland's quest to win a fourth consecutive division title, his contract situation and unwillingness to commit to a long-term deal has caused many to believe now might be the best time for the Indians to deal the 28-year-old. With just one year of arbitration remaining -- and a potential 2020 salary of more than $18 million -- it has seemed Cleveland would be forced to trade Bauer by the start of next season, with this season being the time in which the team's leverage would likely be highest.
What's more is that despite Bauer's obvious talent, the Indians have holes in their lineup that trading him might help fill. There's also been a belief that Cleveland could trade Bauer and replace him with a steady -- albeit less spectacular -- pitcher, an approach which was floated by ESPN's Buster Olney on Monday evening.
For now -- at least -- Bauer remains in Cleveland and it appears it may stay that way past Wednesday afternoon. In 24 starts this season, the 2018 All-Star selection has amassed a 9-8 record, 3.79 ERA and 185 strikeouts, with his next scheduled start -- should he remain with the Indians -- likely to come Friday vs. the Los Angeles Angels.