Chicago Cubs: 3 big starting pitching trade targets to bolster the rotation

Cubs: 3 big starting pitching trade targets – #2: Shane Bieber

Moving on to Cleveland, the situation with Shane Bieber grows increasingly interesting. Bieber was also reportedly available at the deadline before before the Guardians went on a blistering 20 games above .500 pace in the second half to bring home the AL Central Division crown. One could understand the argument if he were now off the table, unless the return of course was too much to pass up.

On that flip side of that coin, it’s important to remember that Cleveland is no stranger to trading away their star players. Francisco Lindor was moved to the New York Mets after the front office realized they weren’t able or willing to pay his contract demands. Remember, too. They dealt him after their postseason run was cut short – so the Guardians making the postseason this year doesn’t mean they’ll simply run it back with Bieber in tow in 2023.

For what it’s worth, MLB Trade Rumors still pegs Shane Bieber as a potential trade target this winter for the Cubs. Bieber and Lopez both have two years of arbitration remaining and would be affordable from an AAV standpoint as the Cubs look to compete as soon as next year.

For the most part, Bieber has been an elite arm early on in his career. For 2022, he finished with a 2.88 ERA and 198 Ks over 200 innings even on the season. He has earned All-Star honors twice and brought home the AL Cy Young in 2020. I’m sure I’m not alone when thinking happy thoughts of him in a Cubs uniform along with the likes of Marcus Stroman, Justin Steele and Hayden Wesneski.