Hypothetical Trade Proposal Has Rays Landing Former Cy Young Winner

This hypothetical trade proposal would address the Tampa Bay Rays' need for a starting pitcher.

April 10, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Tampa Bay Rays hats and glove sits in dugout during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Tampa Bay Rays have performed at such a high level that they have put themselves in a position to aggressively pursue upgrades ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

There has been a lot of success thus far, but plenty of work remains. The Rays have a few areas of their roster they could certainly use an upgrade at, with a lot of people pointing to their lineup as needing a little punch.

Third baseman Junior Caminero, designated hitter Yandy Diaz and first baseman Jonathan Aranda are doing all the heavy lifting in the lineup. Adding one more slugger to the mix would help, but a bat isn’t their only need.

Tampa Bay needs some reinforcements on the pitching staff, specifically a starting pitcher who can help eat innings. They address that need in a hypothetical trade proposal shared by Mitch Bannon of The Athletic (subscription required).

Rays land Shane Bieber from Blue Jays in trade proposal

Jul 18, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Shane Bieber (57) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

He has proposed a deal with their American League East rivals, the Toronto Blue Jays. The Rays would acquire starting pitcher Shane Bieber in exchange for utilityman Ryan Vilade and right-handed pitcher Joe Boyle.

That proposal has been compared to one completed between two other divisional rivals, the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers, in 2024. Frankie Montas headed from the Reds to the Brewers in exchange for infielder Joey Wiemer and pitcher Jakob Junis.

This is certainly an intriguing proposal for Tampa Bay. Any time the opportunity presents itself to add a former Cy Young Award winner to the mix, a team has to consider it. Bieber has performed at incredibly high levels at points of his career and would raise the team’s ceiling.

In his most recent start on July 18 against the Chicago White Sox, he had a vintage performance, throwing six shutout innings with six strikeouts, needing only 80 pitches to get through his outing.

A few more starts like that, and Bieber is going to be in high demand on the trade market. The upside he possesses is undeniable, and he would bring invaluable experience to the Rays.

However, he has made only five starts this season, seven in 2025 and two in 2024 before having to undergo Tommy John surgery. The injury risk is high, which is a concern for a Tampa Bay squad that needs a reliable starting option with Shane McClanahan, Griffin Jax and Ian Seymour likely all being on inning limits.

Surrendering Vilade, who has been a useful utility man, would certainly hurt because the offense is already questionable enough. Boyle has the kind of upside the Rays’ franchise has been able to develop time and time again.

However, flipping them for an established starting pitcher would make a lot of sense. Boyle has been passed over in the pecking order as an option for the rotation. Vilade has multiple years of team control remaining, but things could get crowded in a hurry off the bench if Tampa Bay can acquire a starter for their lineup, whether it be the middle infield or corner outfield.