Pitcher injuries have defined the Los Angeles Dodgers’ season, and the trade deadline could be their chance to break free of that narrative.
MLB insider Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that the Dodgers have been in contact with the Cleveland Guardians about a potential trade of pitcher Shane Bieber. The deal, if it occurs, would be a homecoming for Bieber, who attended Laguna Hills High School in Orange County.
The 30-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2024 and he’s still rehabbing on his way back to the big leagues. He’s allowed two runs on seven hits through 11.1 innings of a rehab assignment between rookie ball, High-A and Double-A. In his latest appearance with the Double-A Akron RubberDucks, the righty surrendered just one run on three hits with seven strikeouts over four innings.
Bieber is slated to make at least one more rehab start, which could fall on Aug. 3. He was initially expected to return to the Guardians in late June or early July, but a setback kept him rehabbing, and possibly booted Cleveland from the playoff picture.
Dodgers have inquired about Guardians pitcher, former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber ahead of trade deadline
The Guardians are “trying to move” both Steven Kwan and Shane Bieber, per source. Bieber made his fourth rehab start on Tuesday, striking out seven with no walks in four innings. He’s returning from April 2024 Tommy John surgery and has a $16M player option ($4M buyout) for 2026.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 30, 2025
Bieber is a two-time All-Star and won the American League Cy Young Award in 2020. He posted a 1.63 ERA, 0.866 WHIP, with 122 strikeouts and an AL-leading .889 winning percentage over 77.1 innings in the pandemic-shortened season. He’s a seven-year MLB veteran, and he’s a career 3.22 ERA pitcher.
Bieber signed a two-year, $26 million contract with Cleveland before the 2025 season. The second year is a player option for 2026, so he could become a free agent when this season ends. The price for Bieber, therefore, could be quite reasonable, since he’s still rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and could be just a rental.
The Dodgers would need to clear a spot in their rotation if they were to bring Bieber in as a starter. Trade rumors have floated around Dustin May, who could be a solid rental addition for any team looking for starting pitching.
