The Cleveland Guardians seem to be shifting gears right ahead of the trade deadline. And it’s kind of shaking up the entire league at the last moment. Their closer, Emmanuel Clase, is sidelined because of a gambling investigation, and they have since moved to sell rather than buy mode. One name that’s swirling around is none other than two-time All-Star and former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber.

The Cleveland Guardians have confirmed that Bieber is “available,” and the reports suggest that the team is actively looking to strike a deal. Bieber had just finished his fourth rehab start, throwing four scoreless innings, striking out seven with zero walks. Impressive? Sure. And Mark Feinsand mentioned clearly that Cleveland is “trying to move both Steven Kwan and Shane Bieber.” Bieber also has a $16M player option in 2026 with a $4M buyout clause.

Now, several teams seem to be interested in him, including the Dodgers, Yankees, Cubs, and Red Sox. However, as per the latest news, the most aggressive ones are Boston and Chicago. And it’s no surprise, right?

If Bieber can even get back a little of his pre-injury form, he is a high-upside addition. And they both had a clear gap that the Guardians’ ace would fill. Firstly, the Chicago Cubs are right in the thick of a division race, and they could use another frontline arm to pair with their current rotation. Bieber’s cost, moreover, is likely going to be less because of his Tommy John recovery. It gives an upside gamble that might simply help Chicago tip the scales against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox have a habit of targeting the starters when their stock is at its lowest. Meanwhile, they were after Bieber from the off-season, and they were even close to landing him before Cleveland stepped in. But now with their rotation needing reinforcements behind Crochet, the Sox are coming back, and it makes sense.  The question is, should the Cleveland Guardians cash in?

They are yet to commit to selling off their core pieces, but with Clase out and the playoff picture dimming, they might just do it. However, even if the team is ready to sell, a big question is—is Bieber ready? And which big market teams are looking in, too?

But is Cleveland Guardian ace healthy enough to matter?

So here is the gamble—Shane Bieber has not pitched in the majors at all this season. After going ahead with Tommy John in April 2024, he has only now started to put in a strong performance in his rehab outings. His recent AAA performance was impressive, for sure. But let’s not pretend that the real test is under the bright lights.

The Guardians seem to be aware, too, hence the sudden push. And it’s not just the Cubs and Red Sox interested in him, because even the Dodgers have reasons to push for him. The Dodgers are already toying with moving Bobby Miller to the bullpen. Plus, Dustin May’s name is suddenly in the trade rumors and talks, too. It’s something that was not thinkable, and yet here they are. Sure, LA is trying to rev things up.

Now, a healthy Bieber could give Dodger exactly what they are after—depth, experience, and a postseason-tested arm that doesn’t need to be an ace but rather a stabilizer. And it’s not just about this season either, right? His contract structure of a one-year, $10 million deal that he signed last December makes him more than a rental. For a team like LA, that’s like a ticket to playoff insurance and a rotation piece for next season. There is a risk with him being just out of surgery, but LA doesn’t need a Cy Young winner taking over; they need a guy who can hold a lead and save the bullpen.