Guardians Make Shane Bieber Trade Decision After Emmanuel Clase Suspension
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The Cleveland Guardians have seemingly been on the fence ahead of the trade deadline. Last season, they were a contender, but this year, they don't look to be very competitive at all.
Recently, Emmanuel Clase, the team's All-MLB closer, was hit with a suspension as the league investigates him for potential gambling. This suspension is likely to force the Guardians into being sellers at the deadline, and it could impact the entire league.
MLB's Mark Feinsand recently reported the Guardians were "trying to move" starting pitcher Shane Bieber at the deadline following Clase's suspension.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 08: Shane Bieber #57 of the Cleveland Guardians is introduced before the home opener against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field on April 08, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 08: Shane Bieber #57 of the Cleveland Guardians is introduced before the home opener against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field on April 08, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio."The Guardians are 'trying to move' both Steven Kwan and Shane Bieber, per source. Bieber made his fourth rehab start on Tuesday, striking out seven with no walks in four innings," Feinsand wrote in a post to Twitter/X on Wednesday afternoon. "He's returning from April 2024 Tommy John surgery and has a $16M player option ($4M buyout) for 2026."
Bieber hasn't pitched this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last year, but he's nearing a return to the big leagues.
It's hard to imagine the Guardians would ask for much in return for the former ace, as his health is a huge question mark at the moment.
But teams like the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Yankees are desperate to add starting pitching. One of these teams could take a flyer on the former Cy Young winner.
Either way, the Guardians are seemingly entering sell mode, with practically nobody off limits at this point. We could see Cleveland involved in four or five big trades at the deadline if the front office plays its cards right.
More MLB: Mets Blockbuster? New York Linked To Superstar Closer As Deadline Nears
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