In a major move ahead of the playoff push, the Toronto Blue Jays have traded for Cleveland Guardians pitcher Shane Bieber, a former Cy Young Award winner.
The trade shows Toronto’s intent to strengthen its rotation as they fight to stay at the top of the American League East.
What’s in the Deal?
Blue Jays receive:
Shane Bieber (RHP)
Guardians receive:
Khal Stephen (RHP, Blue Jays’ No. 5 prospect)
Shane Bieber: A Big Name with Big Potential
Shane Bieber, 30, hasn’t played in the major leagues this season as he is recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he had in April 2024. Before the injury, Bieber was one of MLB’s top pitchers.
Bieber is a two-time All-Star and won the 2020 American League Cy Young Award during the pandemic-shortened season. That year, he led the entire league with an 8-1 win-loss record, a 1.63 ERA, and 122 strikeouts in just 12 games — a rare triple crown for a pitcher.
This season, he has made four minor league starts and posted a 1.59 ERA, showing signs that he’s regaining form. Across his career, Bieber has a strong 62-32 record with a 3.22 ERA in 134 starts.
What Are the Blue Jays Betting On?
The Blue Jays, currently sitting first in the AL East with a 64-46 record, are hoping Bieber can return to his top form and give their pitching rotation a strong boost. They have been missing a solid starter due to injuries, and if Bieber stays healthy, he could be the missing piece.
Bieber signed a one-year, $10 million contract in December, which includes a $16 million team option for 2026 or a $4 million buyout, making this a fairly low-risk deal financially.
Who Did the Guardians Get?
In return, the Guardians received Khal Stephen, a talented young pitcher who was the Blue Jays’ No. 5 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. Just 22 years old, Stephen has had an excellent season in the minors, going 9-1 with a 2.06 ERA in 18 appearances.
He was picked in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft, and the Guardians will now look to develop him further as they build for the future.
Where Do the Teams Stand?
The Blue Jays ended a four-game losing streak with a 9-8 win over the Baltimore Orioles and are now four games ahead of the New York Yankees in the division. They will host the Kansas City Royals on Friday.
The Guardians, with a 54-54 record, are second in the AL Central, nine games behind the Detroit Tigers. They’ll face the Minnesota Twins next at home.
This trade could be a game-changer for the Blue Jays if Shane Bieber returns to his top form. For the Guardians, it’s a chance to add a high-potential young arm in Khal Stephen. The Blue Jays are clearly chasing a playoff run now, while the Guardians continue to think about the long-term picture.
