A few days ago, the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly “checked in” with the Cleveland Guardians about starting pitcher Shane Bieber.
LA acquired Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani in the offseason, but since their pitching depth was so thin before these moves, they could still use another arm.
Bieber, for all his velocity issues and declining strikeout rate, is still a talented, experienced arm still under 30.
He has won a Cy Young award and he has a career 3.27 ERA.
He has accomplished lots of things as a pitcher.
Teams, however, tend to look at the future and not at the past when acquiring players.
The Guards are open to trading Bieber, but so far haven’t liked the offers they have been getting.
The Dodgers might be in play if Cleveland’s demands go down a bit, or if they decide to officially enter the bidding.
Dodgers fans, however, are divided.
Some of them are open to the idea of bringing in Bieber, since he wouldn’t be more than a third or fourth starter:
He is a cheaper option at the mid to back end of rotation. Would cost less prospects. Trade is either Stone or Grove, Sweeney who we got from Yankees and Feduccia. If they send money last prospect gets better. Gives Dodgers protection with Miller, Buehler injuries
— Emilio Murillo (@milo2424) January 3, 2024
Now we’re talking
— C.V. Martinez (@CMart_091) January 3, 2024
I wouldn't hate it. He's no longer an ace-type pitcher, but he doesn't have to be on this team. Dodgers need all the innings we can get, and he makes it even easier to go to a 6-man. Only if the prospect cost isn't ridiculous.
— BSB (@BBorbz) January 3, 2024
However, others aren’t too keen on the idea:
Absolutely not, why lower the bar?
— J Kevin Garcia (@jkgduffer01) January 4, 2024
Nope , Emmanuel clase yes but Shane biebier ? For what
— Marcus pulus (@MattKem56365637) January 3, 2024
No.
— Critical Chris (@criticalcarra) January 4, 2024
Opinions are all over the place, but it’s evident that Bieber still generates interest among the Dodgers fanbase.
The front office?
It remains to be seen, but a deal can’t be ruled out.
The Guardians are open to entering the season with Bieber in their rotation, but their preference would probably be to flip him for some offensive help.
He is not the same pitcher he used to be, but he can still help a major league rotation.
NEXT: Analyst Notes 1 Team May Be Out On Shane Bieber
