Cleveland Indians Wroundtable: Which Pitcher Would You Keep for Five More Years?

May 19, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (47) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

K-Pocalypse Pitchers: Trevor Bauer

Brian Heise: Wow, that’s a really good question, because I want all of them. I think if I had to choose, though… I think I’d take Bauer. He’s the youngest of the four, at 24 years old. Kluber is 29 and Carrasco is 28. Years 4 and 5 could be sketchy. Salazar is 25, but to me, while he can be dominant, I’m not sure about his secondary pitches, and the lack of movement on his fastball makes it easier to hit than the others we’re talking about. Bauer had absolutely wicked stuff, a crazy work ethic and training regimen, and has always projected to be a front line starter since day one. I think he’s probably the safest bet to get five really solid years out of, and who also has the highest ceiling, which is crazy considering the things all of them are doing right now, particularly Kluber.

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Joe Gerberry: Gun to my head, my decision on which starter I would take over the next five years out of the Four Horsemen of the K-Pocalypse would be Bauer. Wednesday’s start notwithstanding, I think Bauer has the most potential – and fewest question marks – out of the four to produce at a high level. He is already striking out nine batters per nine innings, and has lowered his WHIP to much more manageable numbers. Yes, he will continue to struggle with the strike zone at times, like he did on Wednesday, but with this baseline of performance, he has the potential to be one of the best starters in the game. Corey Kluber is about to be on the wrong side of 30. Carlos Carrasco has pitched well this year, but he’s almost 30 as well. Danny Salazar would be my next option, but with one Tommy John surgery on his arm already, the risk is there when it isn’t for Bauer, who I’m confident enough in to tinker with his mechanics enough (even in-game) to keep himself healthy.

There were plenty of other votes for Bauer:

Next: K-Pocalypse Pitchers: Trevor Bauer, Continued