Bringing back Shane Bieber was one of the off-season priorities for the Cleveland Guardians.
They were able to check that item off the list this week, securing the return of their ace on a one-year deal worth $10 million, plus an option for 2026 worth $16 million with a $4 million buyout.
While bringing back Bieber is definitely a commendable achievement, it shouldn’t preclude the Guardians from signing or trading for more pitchers.
Bieber, recovering from elbow surgery performed in April, is more of a second-half play.
He is expected back at some point in the summer, and the idea is to have him ready, locked and loaded for the postseason.
The Guardians, however, have to make it there first.
To make the postseason or be in a position to contend for a spot, Cleveland needs more reliable starters.
They already lost Matthew Boyd, who signed a free agent deal with the Chicago Cubs.
The lefty would have given the Guardians another solid option for the middle of the rotation, but Cleveland couldn’t (or wouldn’t) re-sign him.
Yes, it’s true that the average price of free agents this off-season is considerably high for a team that traditionally doesn’t spend, like Cleveland.
However, there are other ways to bring in talented arms.
The trade market can and should be the Guardians’ best ally.
They have the prospect ammunition to strike an impactful deal or two, and they need to do it if they are going to remain as competitive as they were in 2024.
With the Winter Meetings starting on Monday, the time for Cleveland to make some moves is now.
NEXT: Guardians Thank Top Lefty For His Contributions After Leaving For The Cubs
