The Cleveland Indians decided to end the Jake Bauers experiment last week by designating him for assignment.
That meant the team had some time to find a trade partner, and they did just that early Thursday morning.
The Indians traded Jake Bauers to the Mariners for the player to be named later or cash. Cleveland designated him for assignment last weekend.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) June 10, 2021
This move was clearly already in the works as Bauers was in the Seattle Mariners’ lineup Thursday afternoon in Detroit.
He had one hit, an RBI, and a strikeout.
Bauers has a great shot to stick in Seattle as the team continues to go through a rebuild.
Perhaps the most interesting part of this trade is the fact the Mariners are in town this weekend to take on the Indians in what could end up being the first full crowd at Progressive Field since 2019.
Jake Bauers Returns To His Former Home
Bauers did not have to do too much traveling after joining the Mariners.
He spent Thursday in the lineup up in Detroit and is now coming back to the city where he was likely waiting to figure out his next move.
The obvious worst-case scenario for Indians fans, and the best-case one for Bauers, would be the first baseman lighting up his former team.
That is all good and fun as long as the Indians still come away victorious.
Indians fans really have no reason to root against Bauers.
The front office brought him in as a key piece when he clearly was not ready to assume any full-time role.
Friendly reminder that Jake Bauers had nothing to do with Carlos Santana returning to Cleveland unless you truly believe the Dolans couldn't afford an extra $6 million to pay Carlos.
The trade was Bauers for Yandy Díaz and Cole Sulser and it was a mistake from the start.
— Matt Lyons (@mattrly) June 10, 2021
However, he is still young and the Indians moving on doesn’t mean he has no future in MLB.
It just means he wasn’t a good fit in town.
A Team Of Opportunity
The Mariners may be the perfect fit for Bauers.
That team just demoted top prospect Jarred Kelenic and thus is on a long-term plan for success.
Winning in 2021 was never in the plans and while Seattle is hovering around .500, they will likely fade as the summer rolls on and more young guys get playing time.
Bauers is not one of those young guys and he actually has legitimate MLB experience.
Being around a different coaching staff and not facing the pressure he did in Cleveland could lead to a quick turnaround for the 25-year-old.
The Weekend Series
Bauers will be making his return Friday as Progressive Field officially opens up to full capacity for the first time since 2019.
The wait has been long and the atmosphere should be a great one as the Indians return home following a bizarre road trip.
Anytime you lose to the Baltimore Orioles by a final of 18-5, it is good to get back home and reset things a bit.
The good news is the Indians are 32-27 on the year.
That puts the team four games back of the Chicago White Sox before Thursday’s games.
Will Bauers seek out revenge against his old team?
He will try, but the pitching staff will do their best to make sure it looks like the front office made the right move.
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