MLB: Blue Jays acquire Shane Bieber from Guardians

The Toronto Blue Jays have added a major piece to their pitching staff, completing a trade on Thursday to acquire former Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians.

In return, Cleveland will receive pitching prospect Khal Stephen, a 2023 second-round draft pick out of Mississippi State.

Bieber, 30, was one of the league’s most dominant starters earlier in his career, capturing the American League Cy Young in 2020.

However, his 2024 season came to an abrupt halt after just two starts due to an elbow injury that ultimately required surgery.

Since undergoing the procedure in April 2024, Bieber has been working his way back. He has made three rehab appearances in the minors.

Prior to the trade, he was expected to rejoin Cleveland’s rotation later in August.

Toronto now boasts one of the deepest rotations in baseball, joining Bieber with Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, Eric Lauer, Jose Berríos and Max Scherzer.

If Bieber can regain anything close to his pre-injury form, he could quickly become a front-line option for a playoff series.

There will be no financial adjustments as part of the deal, with the Blue Jays assuming the remainder of Bieber’s contract, which pays him $10 million for 2025 with a $16 million player option for 2026.

During his time with Cleveland, Bieber compiled a 62-32 record, earning two All-Star selections.

This marks Toronto’s second pitching addition of the week, following the acquisition of reliever Seranthony Dominguez from the Baltimore Orioles.

Entering Thursday’s action, the Blue Jays held a four-game advantage over the New York Yankees in the AL East standings despite a 4.27 team ERA, which ranks 22nd in MLB.

Adblock test (Why?)