3 reasons the Cubs should consider trading for Shane Bieber

3 reasons the Cubs should pull off a Shane Bieber trade: #1 - The Guardians have traded a lot of starters in the past

Surprisingly, the Cleveland front office is not shy about trading starting pitchers, even when they have multiple years of control left like Bieber (free agent after 2024). At the 2019 trade deadline, Trevor Bauer was dealt to the Cincinnati Reds in a three-team trade with a year-and-a-half of control left.

Later that offseason, Corey Kluber was sent to the Rangers with a year of control and a club option remaining. Mike Clevinger was dealt in 2020 with more than two years remaining. Cleveland has proven adept at addressing their needs in this way and it wouldn't shock anyone to see them do so once again.

In addition to a history of dealing starters, the Guardians need hitters that the Cubs can provide. Chase Strumpf, Alexander Canario, Brennen Davis and Kevin Alcantara are all potential chips the Cubs have at their disposal to swing a deal. The Guardians also have a wealth of starting pitching depth even after they designated Zach Plesac for assignment. Everyone's talking about Chicago selling - but there's another path before them.