The Toronto Blue Jays have made a bold move ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring former American League Cy Young winner Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians. In exchange, the Guardians received top pitching prospect Khal Stephen, the teams confirmed Thursday.
Bieber, 30, has not pitched this season as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent last year. Despite his inactivity, the Blue Jays are banking on his potential return to form. He recently made four rehab starts across various minor league levels, including outings for the Rookie-League Arizona Complex, High-A Lake County, and Double-A Akron. His most recent appearance saw him throw 57 pitches, suggesting a return to MLB action could happen in August.
Bieber had signed a one-year deal with Cleveland during the offseason, reportedly worth up to $10 million with a $16 million player option in 2026. The right-hander, a two-time All-Star, had only pitched twice in the 2023 season before surgery halted his campaign.
Toronto’s rotation already features Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, Jose Berrios, Eric Lauer, and Max Scherzer. The addition of Bieber could give them a powerful edge as they push for the playoffs. The Blue Jays currently sit atop the AL East with a 64-46 record, holding a four-game lead over the Yankees.
Khal Stephen, 22, has impressed this season across three minor league levels. The Blue Jays’ 2024 second-round draft pick out of Mississippi State holds a 9-1 record and a 2.06 ERA over 17 starts and 91.2 innings.
The Guardians, sitting at 54-54 and trailing the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers by nine games, are reportedly open to moving more players before the trade deadline.
