Toronto Strengthens Pitching for AL East Race
Toronto has made a notable move in the AL East race, which, it seems, is going to be quite competitive.
The division leaders have brought former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber into the fold, as announced on Thursday. This transfer was made from the Guardians, who received pitching prospect Cal Stephen in exchange.
However, there’s a significant caveat: Bieber hasn’t pitched in the majors this season and last took the mound on April 2, 2024. He’s been recovering from Tommy John surgery he underwent last year.
In the meantime, he has appeared in four minor league games for the Guardians, including three just within the last two weeks.
On July 29, the 30-year-old Bieber threw for four innings, allowing just one run while throwing 57 pitches for Double-A Akron.
Interestingly, he was set to start another potential rehabilitation game on Sunday. There’s hope, as noted by ESPN, that he may rejoin the rotation in August.
Toronto is optimistic that Bieber can either backfill some depth or, perhaps, pitch significant innings for them down the stretch.
As a two-time All-Star and the 2020 Cy Young winner, he recorded a 3.80 ERA in at least 20 starts last season, totaling a 62-32 record with an ERA of 3.22 over eight seasons with the Guardians.
Bieber’s contract includes a $16 million team option for 2026, along with a $4 million buyout. The Blue Jays, interestingly, now have both Bieber and Max Scherzer, another Cy Young recipient, on their roster.
As of Thursday, the Blue Jays have moved four games ahead of the Yankees, tying for the best record in the league with the Tigers.
The starting rotation currently features reliable arms like Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, and José Berríos, with Scherzer and Eric Lauer filling out the remaining spots.
On the flip side, Cleveland has acquired Toronto’s No. 5 prospect. Stephen has had an impressive season, with a 9-1 record in 18 games (17 starts), striking out 99 batters over 91⅔ innings.
It’s worth mentioning that the Guardians are under scrutiny as they’ve hinted at potential trades. Fielder Stephen Kwan is rumored to be available, piquing the interest of several teams.
