close
close

Guardians deemed fit to re-sign former All-Star starting pitcher

Guardians deemed fit to re-sign former All-Star starting pitcher

How will it be? Cleveland Rangers increase starting pitching depth in the offseason? This is the question on everyone’s mind as the front office focuses on 2025 and beyond.

One way to start making those improvements could be to bring back Shane Bieber, the ace of their rotation for the last five years.

The 29-year-old is a free agent for the first time in his career, but his market value remains a mystery as he is still recovering from Tommy John surgery and has a history of injuries from the past few seasons.

Still, Jim Bowden of The Athletic considers Bieber as the “best value signing of the offseason due to his upside,” and the MLB analyst and former MLB general manager deemed the 2020 Cy Young winner suitable to re-sign with the Guardians.

“He only started twice this year before undergoing Tommy John surgery, which will keep him sidelined until at least next summer. However, if he comes back healthy, whoever signs him will be able to play a Cy Young-caliber pitcher in the second half. season,” Bowden wrote.

Bowden perceives Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas RangersAND San Diego Fathers like other bands that would fit Bieber.

Shane Bieber catches the ball

April 22, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Shane Bieber (57), starting pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, reacts after giving up a home run in the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images / David Richard-Imagn Images

Cleveland typically doesn’t bring back its big-name starting pitcher when his team is out of control. In fact, he usually trades them in for a higher value before the contract expires.

However, Bieber’s situation appears to be different than previous pitchers. Cleveland’s front office has already admitted that they would love to have Bieber back next season, and both sides are reportedly interested.

Much of this may depend on the financial ramifications of the contract, but the Rangers certainly seem like a fit for the team and a contender to bring back their ace this offseason.