The Cleveland Guardians have always been known for their ability to develop elite starting pitchers. Most notably, former Cy Young award winner Shane Bieber. Beiber is the Guardians’ ace pitcher, he has been their opening-day starter for years now. With recent rumors and with the front office in CLE refusing to spend money, how much longer will Bieber be a Guardian?
Shane Bieber To Be Traded?
According to BleacherReport.com, three MLB general managers believe that Bieber will be dealt at the trade deadline. “Cleveland’s done it before: It traded Mike Clevinger at the deadline in 2020 and Trevor Bauer in 2019,” Passan wrote. “With Triston McKenzie’s return imminent, Logan Allen and Tanner Bibee looking great and Gavin Williams arriving soon, the next generation of Cleveland pitching is coming. Everything lines up. And if Bieber goes, Amed Rosario could join him—maybe in the same deal, maybe separately.”
Shane Bieber is 28 years old. He has a record of 4-3 this season with a 3.72 ERA. Bieber just has not been the same dominant pitcher that he was during his Cy Young season. Bieber is set to be a free agent in 2025 after one more year of arbitration eligibility. With Cleveland’s rough start to the season offensively it is likely they might trade a little defense for some offense in a Bieber trade. Although CLE is struggling they are still only 3.5 games back from the division lead.
What In Return?
If these struggles continue it is very possible Cleveland will become a seller at the deadline. Especially with the risk of losing Bieber for nothing if they hang onto him for too long. There have not been any names thrown out as a possible return for Bieber, but one could imagine it would be a big bat. Shane Bieber will most likely be the most sought-after pitcher at the deadline. Although Cleveland may not ship him off in a deal, they should test the waters.
This Cleveland Guardians team is nothing like the team that took the Yankees 5 games in the divisional round. This is not the team that had no quit in the face of defeat. Something needs to change in Cleveland or they will never be able to get over that hump and be a true contender. Either getting some new faces on the field or in ownership. Cleveland needs to make some big changes or they will be left behind. Will Shane Bieber be a Guardian after the deadline?
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