Dodgers might pounce on newly rumored Cubs trade target

With the MLB trade deadline less than a day away, it's felt like Shane Bieber was becoming an increasingly likely target for the Chicago Cubs. First mentioned as a suggested trade that Jeff Passan would like to see at the deadline, it seems that Bieber actually is on the Cubs' radar. Passan was first to add more context on Wednesday by offering a more direct connection between the Cubs and Bieber, suggesting the interest is real.

Perhaps not sourced information, but still relevant, as any rumor is before the Cubs start making moves, Bruce Levine seemed to confirm that the Cubs are indeed interested in Bieber. However, it also has the impression of Levine just repeating what he has seen elsewhere.

Nevertheless, momentum is certainly building that the Cleveland Guardians will move Bieber ahead of Thursday's deadline. The Cubs' interest is obvious, considering he is the exact pitcher Jed Hoyer has alluded to during the weeks leading up to the deadline.

That said, this is the trade deadline we are talking about, and it wouldn't be a deadline unless the Los Angeles Dodgers were planning to take a target away from the Cubs. Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that the Dodgers have an interest in Bieber as well.

Dodgers eye same rising target Cubs were rumored to be chasing

It should be noted that the Dodgers had an interest in Emmanuel Clase and remain interested in Guardians' All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan. While Clase has been taken off the trade market as part of an ongoing sports-betting investigation, it's certainly possible that the Dodgers would look to make a deal with the Guardians for both Kwan and Bieber. Considering the prospects that would be involved, considering Kwan is a controllable talent, it's a deal that the Guardians would likely prefer, compared to a singular trade with the Cubs involving Bieber.

One thing is certain: Bieber can't be the only starting pitcher the Cubs potentially add ahead of the deadline. With Bieber returning from Tommy John surgery, while the Matthew Boyd comparison is intriguing, there is also risk involved. Risk that could derail the Cubs' 2025 season if Bieber were the only addition to the rotation at the deadline.

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