Guardians' Shane Bieber trade called a 'steal' for Blue Jays by former exec

The Cleveland Guardians didn't have a massive trade deadline, despite the potential. They held onto Steven Kwan and couldn't deal with Emmanuel Clase amid his sports betting investigation.

However, they did swing one noteworthy deal, shipping off Shane Bieber to the Toronto Blue Jays for pitching prospect Khal Stephen. A few days after the deal, former MLB executive Jim Bowden of The Athletic deemed this the best trade at the deadline, but not for the Guardians.

"The 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner, who has a career record of 62-32 with a 3.22 ERA, could be a difference maker this October - if all goes well." Bowden writes. "In addition, Bieber gives the Jays another strong starter for 2026, though he could decline his player option. This was a steal."

Stephen is an intriguing pitching prospect who ranks 7th in the Guardians' farm system. But, Bowden believes that the addition of Bieber is incredible for the Blue Jays, especially if he can return to form once back from injury.

MORE: Guardians to trade Cy Young starter Shane Bieber to Blue Jays

There's substantial risk, hence why the Guardians likely couldn't have done better than they did in the return package for Bieber. He's also unlikely to accept his $16 million player option for 2026, meaning he is, technically, a rental.

Bieber has impressed in his rehab starts and could be a massive piece for the Blue Jays, who sit atop the American League. Toronto landing Bieber was a great deal for the team, and Bowden called it the best trade at the deadline.

But, to call this a steal might be jumping the gun. Bieber has yet to face Major League hitting this season and has barely pitched in the past two years. Stephen is an unknown, but so is Bieber, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

This deal could end up as a win-win, but Bowden is already dubbing the Blue Jays as winners in this deal. There are a lot of caveats, but the acquisition of Bieber could help the Blue Jays secure the top spot in the AL, and potentially, make a deep postseason run.

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