Blue Jays Acquire Former Cy Young Award Winner Shane Bieber from Guardians at Major League Baseball Trade Deadline
Shane Bieber, the former Cy Young Award winner, is making a comeback from Tommy John surgery, and the Toronto Blue Jays are eagerly awaiting his return. Bieber underwent the surgery in April 2024 and has not pitched in the Major League Baseball (MLB) since then.
After a year of rehabilitation, Bieber has been active in the minor leagues, making several starts. His most recent outing was with Double-A Akron, where he struck out seven batters in four innings. As of early August 2025, Bieber is continuing his rehab, throwing bullpen sessions in Toronto, with another rehab game scheduled soon, either at Double-A or Triple-A level.
The Blue Jays acquired Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians on July 31, 2025, betting on his ability to quickly return to high-level pitching. The team expects Bieber to possibly return to the majors sometime in August 2025, depending on how his rehab outings go. His return could provide a significant boost to the Blue Jays' already strong starting rotation.
The Blue Jays currently have five veteran starters: Chris Bassitt, Jose Berriós, Kevin Gausman, Eric Lauer, and Max Scherzer. Scherzer has battled a nagging thumb injury this season, while Lauer has experience in the bullpen. With Bieber's potential return, the Blue Jays would gain more pitching depth, especially high-end pitching depth like Bieber, which could be beneficial for the team.
The Blue Jays currently have a four-game lead in their division and a comfortable lead on a postseason berth. Bieber, who has a 1.59 ERA with 21 strikeouts and one walk in four rehab starts and 11 1⁄3 rehab innings, could be a valuable addition to the team's playoff push.
It's worth noting that Bieber is expected to decline his player option for 2026, making him a potential rental for the Toronto Blue Jays. Stephen, a highly-regarded prospect in the Blue Jays' system, has reached Double-A this season. He has a 2.06 ERA with 99 strikeouts in 91 2⁄3 innings this season and has been ranked the fifth best prospect in the Blue Jays' system by Baseball America.
The Cleveland Guardians, currently 54-54, are expected to continue selling at the deadline and could potentially trade outfielder Steven Kwan and several relievers. As the MLB season progresses, the acquisition of Bieber by the Blue Jays adds an exciting dimension to the race for the playoffs.
- The Major League Baseball (MLB) season is witnessing a potential game-changer as Shane Bieber, the former Cy Young Award winner, is scheduled to return from Tommy John surgery.
- The Toronto Blue Jays, eager to bolster their starting rotation, have been closely tracking Bieber's progress in the minor leagues.
- The baseball world has been keenly observing Bieber's rehab outings, with his recent performance at Double-A Akron seeing him strike out seven batters in four innings.
- As the MLB race for the playoffs heats up, the Blue Jays' acquisition of Bieber adds an intriguing element, potentially breaking their four-game division lead and strengthening their postseason bid.
- With Bieber returning to compete in the MLB this season, the Toronto Blue Jays are poised to set a new record for pitching depth, especially high-end pitching depth like Bieber, a significant advantage in the competitive landscape of sports (baseball).
