Guardians' Shane Bieber drawing interest ahead of trade deadline

While the Cleveland Guardians might not have the strong trade chips that they previously were thought to have, the team does have one player who has been drawing interest and could net a solid return at the deadline.

According to Zack Meisel of The Athletic, the Guardians are receiving interest in starting pitcher Shane Bieber. With four days until the trade deadline, teams are calling Cleveland about Bieber's availability.

"The Guardians have received calls on Bieber," Meisel writes, "... The starting pitching market is lacking in sizzle - that is, unless the AL Central reshapes the market. Even with Lugo off the board, Bieber and Minnesota's Joe Ryan would be two of the top names on the market."

If the Guardians do decide to move on from Bieber at the trade deadline, they might be able to land a strong return. Even though he hasn't pitched since 2024, the Guardians veteran starter is drawing interest from around the league. 

But, there's a caveat to a Bieber deal: the Guardians would need to receive upside equivalent to a prospect from the first two rounds of the MLB draft. Bieber is expected to hit free agency with his $16 million player option likely being declined.

MORE: Guardians make trade deadline decision on 2.33 ERA reliever

If he's a free agent, the Guardians can offer a $21 million qualifying offer. In a scenario where he rejects that offer, Cleveland could get a first-round compensatory pick if he signs for over $50 million, and a second-round pick if he signs for under that number.

Regardless, if the Guardians envision a prospect they're offered can be the equivalent of a first or second round compensatory draft choice, then they might consider dealing Bieber at the deadline.

They're looking for upside and potential. While landing such a player might be hard for an injured pitcher, Bieber has a rehab start in the minor leagues on Tuesday, three days before the trade deadline, which is likely to be full of scouts.

It's a long shot, but the potential of a Bieber trade is real and could come to fruition by the trade deadline, especially if his start in the minors goes well.

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