Blue Jays land Bieber from Guardians

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired starter Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for pitching prospect Khal Stephen, the teams announced Thursday.

Bieber is recovering from Tommy John surgery he underwent in April 2024 and has yet to pitch in the majors this season, though he appears to be nearing a return to a big-league mound. He's registered a 1.59 ERA with 21 strikeouts and one walk in 11.1 innings across four minor-league rehab starts. He threw 58 pitches and topped out at 94 mph in his most recent outing.

The 30-year-old won the AL Cy Young in the shortened 2020 season, posting a league-best 1.63 ERA. Since that career year, he's managed a 3.13 ERA across 70 starts in parts of four campaigns before the elbow injury.

He owns a 5.00 ERA in three career playoff starts.

Bieber's contract includes a $16-million player option for next season.

When he returns, Bieber will bolster a Blue Jays rotation that's posted a 4.51 ERA in 2025 - the seventh-worst in the majors. The group currently includes Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, and Eric Lauer. Toronto is tied for the best record in the AL despite its inconsistent pitching. The club also added reliever Seranthony Domínguez on Tuesday and is reportedly seeking more bullpen help.

Stephen, 22, was Toronto's No. 5 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. A second-round pick of the Blue Jays in 2024, the 6-foot-4 right-hander owns a 2.06 ERA in 91.1 innings across three minor-league levels this season. His fastball sits between 92-94 mph, topping out at 96. His changeup is considered his best off-speed pitch.

This marks the third notable trade the Blue Jays have made with the Guardians in the last calendar year. They acquired Andrés Giménez and Nick Sandlin from Cleveland in December, and Myles Straw in January.