Could The Guardians Trade Shane Bieber?
The Cleveland Guardians currently sit with a record of 17-20, third in the AL Central, and 3.5 games behind the Minnesota Twins for the division lead. It is definitely still early in the season, but if the team continues down this track there's a good possibility that they could be sellers at the trade deadline.
That dialogue is already underway around one starting pitcher, Shane Bieber.
The former 2020 Cy Young winner got off to an up-down start to the season but has really settled in since the turn of the month. He's made two starts in May combining for an ERA of 1.29, 13 strikeouts, and 14.0 innings pitched.
There's no denying the value he brings to any rotation.
This is where the trade discussions start. So many teams are wishful contenders, but just need that last piece to their pitching staff.
The Guardians could be the perfect trade partner with their up-and-coming stars such as Tanner Bibee and Logan Allen and eventually Gavin Williams, Joey Cantillo, and Daniel Espino will join them too.
They have the highly-touted pitching prospects to let one of their current starters go, but that doesn't mean they're willing to part ways with an All-Star just yet.
ESPN's Buster Olney spoke with an MLB exec who had this to say about the situation:
"(The Guardians) don't really shop their guys, but they'll always listen," one NL exec said. "But they also have good young players and they usually improve over the season; they've got a great chance to win that division. I think they'll keep him."
If you want my take on it, I also say Cleveland keeps Bieber for this season. Starting pitching is the biggest premium in all of baseball and once you think you have enough starters, it's always a good idea to get one more.
As disappointing as the start of Cleveland's season has been, they're still well in the hunt for the division crown and could put themselves in the lead with one good week of baseball.
There's no denying the young, talented pitching Cleveland has breaking their way into the Big Leagues. But the best way to anchor that all down is with a proven Cy Young winner such as Bieber.
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Read More:
Terry Francona Offers Blunt Reaction To Guardians Offense Against The Tigers
Guardians Top Prospect Williams Strikes Out 10 In Latest Dominate Outing
The Two Game-Changing Plays In Cleveland's Win Over The Tigers
Amed Rosario Tallies Four Hits As Guardians Show Signs Of Life In Bats
Shane Bieber Strikes Out Season High Against Tigers
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