Cleveland Guardians starter Shane Bieber was affected by an elbow injury during the 2023 season.
That injury not only robbed him of a lot of innings, but it may have also affected his performance.
Still, he was able to return in late September for two late starts after roughly two-and-a-half months of being out.
In his last start, he allowed a single run in six innings against a Cincinnati Reds team vying for a postseason spot.
With one remaining season of arbitration in 2024, the Guardians might be open to the possibility of Bieber being traded to another team in exchange for offense or prospects.
According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, two potential NL Central contenders are after his services.
“The Cubs and Reds are among the teams active in trade conversations for Cleveland’s Shane Bieber and Tampa Bay’s Tyler Glasnow, sources confirm,” he tweeted.
The Cubs and Reds are among the teams active in trade conversations for Cleveland’s Shane Bieber and Tampa Bay’s Tyler Glasnow, sources confirm. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 28, 2023
Even despite acquiring three starters in recent days, the St. Louis Cardinals are also looking for pitching, as are the Baltimore Orioles, the New York teams, and many others around the league.
In other words, there is a market for Bieber.
So far, we know that the Cubs and Reds are discussing potential deals for him, but many additional teams can join the bidding and make an offer.
The Guardians didn’t extend him before and are highly unlikely to do so at this point, paving the way for a trade.
The righty posted a 3.80 ERA in 128 innings last season, with 34 walks and 107 strikeouts.
Yes, he was much better in 2022 (2.88 ERA in 200 frames, with 198 punchouts), but he remains a quality pitcher who can benefit lots of contenders.
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