The 2025 Major League Baseball trade deadline is this Thursday, and contending teams seek one or multiple additions that can make them World Series favorites.
The Chicago Cubs had World Series aspirations before the trade deadline, but they are now looking for players who can help them get there. The Cubs’ starting rotation is an area of need, and they are likely to add at least one hurler before the clock strikes 6 p.m. EDT on Thursday.
If Chicago’s president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, cannot land the top starting pitching names on the trade market, such as Mitch Keller or Sandy Alcantara, perhaps an overlooked former American League Cy Young winner can help during the second half of the season.
Cubs-Guardians Trade Idea Sends Shane Bieber to Chicago
Shane Bieber, 30, is trending in the right direction on his way back from Tommy John Surgery. The two-time All-Star made two rehab assignment appearances at High-A Lake County and should continue progressing with outings during the week.
Before his injury, Bieber was one of the more reliable starting pitchers in MLB, posting a 2.88 ERA in 200 innings with the Cleveland Guardians in 2022. His uncertain capabilities due to his Tommy John Surgery make him an interesting trade candidate. ESPN’s Jeff Passan believes he could be an excellent addition for the Chicago Cubs.
“Chicago needs to land at least one starting pitcher at this deadline, and the former AL Cy Young winner is very available,” wrote Passan. “He still hasn’t pitched in the big leagues this season, but his stuff has looked crisp during his three minor league outings, according to scouts who have seen him, and the acquisition cost won’t be nearly as prohibitive as that of getting other pitchers.”
Bieber’s price tag may be lower than that of Keller and other top starting pitchers on the trade market, and he may end up being a half-season rental.
“The ceiling, meanwhile, could be every bit as high, and while there’s inherent risk involved with a pitcher coming off Tommy John surgery — particularly one with a $16 million player option — it’s a risk a team like the Cubs should feel plenty comfortable taking,” wrote Passan.
How Shane Bieber Could Help Chicago
Since he’s returning from injury, Bieber may not be able to throw more than 50 to 70 pitches in his first few outings with the Chicago Cubs, making him an option to start as a middle relief option or opener.
Bieber could fulfill a similar role during the postseason. As the Cubs’ roster stands, Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga are interchangeable regarding who could make the start in game one of a postseason series. Could Bieber start a game three?
Chicago’s current options are Ben Brown, Colin Rea, Chris Flexen, and the injured Jameson Taillon. Taillon would be the strongest candidate to start the third game of a playoff series, and he’s dealing with a calf strain in his right leg.
Just four games behind the Boston Red Sox for the third and final AL Wild Card spot, a postseason appearance for the Guardians is not out of reach. Should they hold on to Bieber or trade one of their best pitchers since 2018?
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