Sat Aug 02 19:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Blue Jays Bet on Bieber Bounce-Back in Trade with Guardians

**TORONTO, ON -** The Toronto Blue Jays made a bold move to bolster their pitching staff ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring former Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday. In exchange, the Guardians receive promising right-handed pitching prospect Khal Stephen.

Bieber, 30, won the American League Cy Young Award in 2020 but was sidelined by an elbow injury after just two starts this season, requiring Tommy John surgery in April. He has recently begun a rehab assignment, throwing four innings in his most recent outing with Double-A Akron.

“We believe Shane has the potential to be a dominant force for us down the stretch,” said Blue Jays General Manager [Insert Fictional Name]. “His track record speaks for itself, and we’re confident our medical team can help him return to form.”

The Blue Jays, currently leading the AL East, are taking on the remainder of Bieber’s contract, which includes a $10 million salary for 2025 and a $16 million player option for 2026. The move signals the Blue Jays’ intent to compete for a World Series title this year.

“With the additions of veteran players such as Shane, and our current players, we believe we are well set for the postseason,” said Head Coach John Schneider.

Bieber joins a deep Toronto rotation that already features Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, Eric Lauer, Jose Berrios, and future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer. If he can regain his pre-injury form, he could become a key piece for the Blue Jays in the playoffs.

This acquisition marks the second pitching addition for Toronto this week, following the trade for reliever Seranthony Dominguez from the Baltimore Orioles. While their offense has been strong, the Blue Jays entered Thursday with a team ERA of 4.27, the ninth worst in the majors.

Stephen, the young prospect heading to Cleveland, has impressed this season, posting a 2.36 ERA in 18 appearances, including 17 starts.

Rival executives have indicated that the Guardians, who recently lost closer Emmanuel Clase to an MLB investigation, are actively seeking to trade players before the trade deadline. Outfielder Steven Kwan is also rumored to be on the move. Bieber has 62-32 with a 3.22 ERA over parts of seven seasons with the Guardians.

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