MLB Trade Rumors: Madison Bumgarner, Trevor Bauer Are Top Targets With Giants, Indians Struggling

Madison Bumgarner and Trevor Bauer were both at the center of trade rumors in the offseason, only to remain with their respective teams. As the July 31 deadline gets closer, look for the two pitchers to be mentioned among players that could be acquired by contenders hoping to make a push to the 2019 World Series.

On Wednesday morning's edition of “Get Up,” ESPN’s Buster Olney called Bumgarner and Bauer the “most coveted pieces on the trade market.” The report came on the heels of Bumgarner’s win over the Colorado Rockies Tuesday night.

Bumgarner seems like the perfect candidate to be dealt for several reasons. He’s in the final year of his contract and plays for a team in the San Francisco Giants that doesn’t have very high expectations. The left-hander has an unmatched playoff resume, yet he’s pitching for a team that’s four games below .500.

Bauer was on the trade block in the offseason because the Cleveland Indians were looking to shed payroll. They began the season as the heavy favorites in the AL Central, but they are four games out of first place amid injuries to some of their best players.

Cleveland ownership has been very upfront about their unwillingness to spend big money. Maybe the Indians will try to unload Bauer if they don't look like a championship contender in the early part of the summer.

Bauer has one year of arbitration left before becoming a free agent after the 2020 season. Pitching to a 3.42 ERA after performing like a Cy Young candidate last season, there isn't much question regarding the type of production a team would get from him.

The story has been different for Bumgarner, who missed parts of both 2017 and 2018 with injuries. There’ve been reports that organizations around the league no longer view him as a front-line starter, given his diminished stuff.

Bumgarner could be slowly changing that perception. Since his ERA reached 4.30 at the end of April, he's had two consecutive quality starts. The veteran has allowed four earned runs while striking out 16 batters in 12 innings. The velocity on his fastball has increased, and he has more closely resembled the dominant playoff pitcher that won the 2014 World Series MVP award.

An increase in production could also mean an increase in San Francisco's asking price. ESPN's Tim Kurkjian recently speculated that the Giants might demand four top prospects in exchange for the pitcher.

The New York Yankees are reportedly focused on improving the rotation at some point this season.. The Atlanta Braves might look to do the same in hopes of repeating as NL East champions. The Milwaukee Brewers could use another starter if they hope to get over the hump and reach the World Series.

Several teams will be looking to add impactful starters as the season moves along, potentially putting the Giants and Indians at the forefront of the trade deadline.