Well, this isn’t the first time Cleveland Baseball has traded a star pitcher out of an organization known for developing them. This time, it was a bit different as Shane Bieber was recovering from Tommy John surgery.
The Guardians acquired reliever righty Khal Stephen, who, according to was ranked number five in the Toronto Blue Jays prospect list (MLB.com). He is 22 years old from Mississippi State.
Bieber is 30 now and had six great seasons as a starter in Cleveland, including winning the Cy Young award in the 2020 year (8-1, 1.63 ERA). This was in the COVID-shortened season. Unfortunately, he only pitched in four big league starts in the last 24 months due to injury/surgery keeping him out.
In a perfect world, the star would’ve returned to the Guardians and become the elite ace that he once was in prior years. However, he had a $4 million buyout or a $16 million option for the 2025 year. It was expected that he would enter the free agent market and likely leave Cleveland after this year was over, regardless. Thus, at least the team could try and get something in return for the pitcher,
In the lower levels of the Minor Leagues, Stephen had a 2.06 ERA with 99 strikeouts in 91 1/3 innings. This is what drew interest from the Guardians with the hopes of acquiring a potential future star.
“The most impressive thing about Khal is just that he’s continued to get better as he goes,” Blue Jays director of player development Joe Sclafani said last month. – NY Times
Honestly, there was no guarantee Bieber would ever return to form, especially in this season or for the coming years. Additionally, at a 54-54 current record, the Guardians are only 3.0 games back of the AL Wild Card, but it’s not as if many feel they will be able to truly contend for a title this year. Especially with the recent Emmanuel Clase news making waves throughout the franchise.
Shane, we’ll miss you, bud.
Thanks for the incredible time since 2018 in Cleveland as one of the best starters this franchise has seen in many years.
Many times, the desire is to want to see a player fail when they end up on a different team. However, this is different. We’re wishing you the best of luck with your time in Toronto. Expect when you come to pitch against the Guardians in the future!
Let’s see what the future holds in regards to this Stephen acquisition and what we see from him in the coming years. For now, the team will try and continue to contend for that wild card spot this season.
The post Guardians Trade Shane Bieber For Prospect Khal Stephen appeared first on Cleveland Sports Talk .