With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the Cleveland Guardians are expected to make significant moves, particularly in light of the ongoing gambling investigation involving closer Emmanuel Clase. This situation may prompt the team to reconsider their roster and explore potential trades more aggressively than initially anticipated.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently highlighted the Guardians as potential trade partners with the Chicago Cubs, centering around the talented but currently sidelined pitcher Shane Bieber. Once regarded as a front-line starter and former Cy Young winner, Bieber has not yet appeared in a major league game this season due to recovery from Tommy John surgery. However, he is generating interest due to his promising performances in the minors.
Bieber’s upcoming outing on July 29 could be pivotal in shaping his market demand just ahead of the trade deadline. The Cubs, looking to bolster their rotation as they aim for a postseason spot, are in need of a starting pitcher, and according to Passan, Bieber might be a fitting target. He offers a potentially less expensive option compared to other marquee pitchers like Sandy Alcantara and Joe Ryan, whose acquisition costs are expected to be substantially higher.
Despite the injury concerns that accompany Bieber, his impressive career statistics—a 3.22 ERA with 958 strikeouts over 136 starts—suggest he could still be a valuable asset. The Cubs may find Bieber’s upside worth the risk, especially given that he will enter free agency in the offseason.
As the deadline looms, the Guardians are faced with critical decisions. Moving Bieber could present a mix of risk and opportunity, and if the trade materializes, it might benefit both teams as they navigate their respective goals for the remainder of the season. All eyes will be on Bieber’s performance on Tuesday, which could significantly influence the final days leading up to the deadline.