There’s always risk a team has weigh in any decision, but this would certainly put a lot of trust in a pitcher being able to contribute after missing most of the season. Yet, the payoff could be great for the Chicago Cubs who need another impact arm or two in the rotation and unfortunately there aren’t that many ace-type starters available. In ESPN’s latest trade deadline article that features MLB experts suggesting outside-the-box deals the Cubs land a former Cy Young award winning pitcher.

Shane Bieber to the Cubs?

The Cleveland Guardians are in damage control after their star closer was put on paid-leave, resulting from an ongoing sports-betting investigation that has Emmanuel Clase out of action until at least September. The Guardians could shake up the league at that trade deadline with outfielder Steven Kwan suddenly appearing in rumors, but a forgotten trade chip is right-handed starting pitcher Shane Bieber.

The 30-year-old is returning from Tommy John surgery and scouts from all pitcher-needy teams will have eyes on Bieber Tuesday, when he makes a rehab start at Double-A.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan wants to see the Cubs take on the risk and trade for the 2020 AL Cy Young.

Chicago needs to land at least one starting pitcher at this deadline, and the former AL Cy Young winner is very available. He still hasn’t pitched in the big leagues this season, but his stuff has looked crisp during his three minor league outings, according to scouts who have seen him, and the acquisition cost won’t be nearly as prohibitive as that of getting other pitchers. The ceiling, meanwhile, could be every bit as high, and while there’s inherent risk involved with a pitcher coming off Tommy John surgery — particularly one with a $16 million player option — it’s a risk a team like the Cubs should feel plenty comfortable taking. 

Bieber made 21 starts during the 2023 season and showed some signs of regression. He posted a 3.80 ERA in 128 innings and then missed a little more than two months with an elbow issue. Bieber made two starts in 2024, and looked fantastic, throwing 12 scoreless innings with 20 strikeouts and only one walk before his elbow gave out, leading to Tommy John surgery.

The Guardians re-signed Bieber heading into 2025, agreeing to a two-year, $26 million. That was broken down to a $10 million salary for this season and a $16 million player option for 2026 that also includes a $4 million buyout.

Bieber has been fantastic throughout his career, but he has missed big chunks of the season a few times. He had a shoulder injury in 2021, limiting him to 16 starts in addition to the recent elbow issue that began in 2023. Yet, when he’s on the mound Bieber has been elite, recording a career 3.22 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 843 innings. Even when his velocity dipped Bieber found ways to be effective, posting a 3.12 ERA since 2022.

Latest Shane Bieber Rehab Start

The right-handed pitcher returned to action on May 31, but was then shut down by the Guardians earlier this season. Bieber then began his second rehab assignment on July 15, in the Arizona Complex League before making another appearance a week later at A+ Ball.

On Tuesday, Bieber made his third rehab appearance in July. Pitching at Double-A, Bieber looked good again as he struck out seven in four innings of work, surrendering an earned run on four hits. Bieber threw 57 pitches and was sitting at 91-93mph.

Would you want the Cubs to roll the dice on Bieber at the trade deadline?