On Thursday, the Toronto Blue Jays announced that they have traded righty pitching prospect Khal Stephen for Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians. This past offseason, Bieber reportedly agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $10 million, which included a $16 million player option in 2026, with the Guardians.
On X, the Blue Jaysposted:OFFICIAL: In exchange for RHP Khal Stephen, we have acquired Shane Bieber, a two-time All-Star, All-Star MVP, Cy Young Award winner, Triple Crown winner, and Gold Glover, from the Guardians. Biebs, welcome to the Blue Jays!
Since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2024, Bieber, 30, has not participated in an MLB game. Prior to surgery, the 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner, two-time All-Star, and past triple crown winner pitched two starts for the Guardians last season, going 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA. In 12 innings during the previous season, he gave up 10 hits and one walk.
The 2020 season, which was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, coincided with the right-handed pitcher’s Cy Young Award campaign. Over a twelve starts, he led MLB in all three metrics with an 8-1 record, 1.63 ERA, and 122 strikeouts. He has a 62-32 record and a 3.22 ERA after making 136 appearances in his seven-year career with the Guardians, including 134 starts.
Between the Rookie-League Arizona Complex, High-A Lake County, and Double-A Akron, Bieber made four rehab starts in July. He is expected to make his season debut in August after going 0-0 with a 1.59 ERA in his four minor league appearances this year, throwing 57 pitches.
The Blue Jays selected the 22-year-old Stephen in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft. During his 18 minor league appearances this season, he was 9-1 with a 2.06 ERA.
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