Cleveland Indians: Trevor Bauer looking to be even better in 2018

Cleveland Indians fans saw a breakout season from Trevor Bauer in 2017 and are hoping for even greater things from the outspoken starter in 2018.

Trevor Bauer is still a polarizing figure among Cleveland Indians fans mainly because some can’t let go of a certain accident sustained back in 2016.

But after his 2017 season, no one should be holding a grudge against the young pitcher.

Bauer finished the year with a record of 17-9, logging 176.1 innings and striking out 196 batters. He did not reach a new career-high in innings pitched, but Bauer shattered his previous high in strikeouts of 170 back in 2015.

The most notable part of Bauer’s 2017 season may have been when he was the starter in Game 1 of the ALDS, but he answered by throwing 6.2 shutout innings in the 4-0 victory. The problems came in his Game 4 start, on short rest, when he only lasted 1.2 innings. The blame for that may fall elsewhere.

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Bauer cemented himself as the dominant third option in the rotation last year, and that should only continue in 2018. He wasn’t overworked last year and was able to counter a BB/9 of 3.1 with a K/9 of 10. Both were new career-bests.

The young pitcher is outspoken but he has really not done anything that should have fans hating him in 2018. Fans should want players who play well, and that is what Bauer does.

Chalk up the injury during the 2016 postseason to being young.

The Arizona Diamondbacks gave up on Bauer back in 2012 and that has been great news for the Indians. Bauer has essentially grown up in front of our eyes and that sometimes means some rough patches along the way.

How can you not want to see more from a guy who can do this:

https://twitter.com/KentMurphy/status/956533657635905536

Insane.

Bauer has embraced the scientific approach to pitching and it is paying off. The only thing fans can hope for now is that his arbitration process can go smoothly to help avoid any unnecessary distractions.

Next: Indians Rumors: Trade with Brewers on the way?

Bauer has shown progression in so many statistical categories during his time in Cleveland, so it is an easy expectation to say he will only get better in 2018. Because…science!