Blue Jays Acquire Shane Bieber
The Toronto Blue Jays made a significant move on MLB trade deadline day by acquiring right-handed pitcher Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians. In return, Cleveland received Khal Stephen, a 22-year-old minor league pitcher ranked as the No. 5 prospect in Toronto’s system by MLB Pipeline.
Additionally, Toronto secured catching prospect Brandon Valenzuela from the San Diego Padres, sending infielder Will Wagner in exchange. Bieber, who is 30, is close to returning from Tommy John surgery and has not pitched in the majors this season but has posted impressive stats in four rehab starts, including a seven-strikeout game in four innings with Double-A Akron.
The former American League Cy Young winner has spent his entire career with Cleveland since being drafted in 2016, accumulating a record of 62-32 with a 3.22 ERA in 136 major league games. A two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, he was also named MVP of the 2019 All-Star Game.
Bieber had a standout performance in 2020 during the pandemic-shortened season, leading the majors with eight wins, a 1.63 ERA, and 122 strikeouts, making him one of the few pitchers to achieve MLB’s Triple Crown since 1913. He signed a one-year, $14 million contract last fall, which includes a $16 million player option for 2026.
In regards to the players traded, Stephen boasts a 9-1 record and a 2.06 ERA across three minor league levels this season. He was drafted in the second round by Toronto in 2024 and has a strikeout rate of 27.9% in his professional career. Valenzuela, at 24, has had an impressive season with 14 doubles, 12 home runs, and a .700 OPS in 87 games for Double-A San Antonio.
Padres Strengthen Rotation with Miller and Sears
The San Diego Padres acquired hard-throwing closer Mason Miller and lefty JP Sears from the Athletics, strengthening their pitching staff significantly during the trade deadline. In return, San Diego sent a notable package of prospects, including highly rated shortstop Leo De Vries and righties Henry Baez, Braden Nett, and Eduarniel Nunez to the A’s.
The Padres, sitting in the National League’s final wild card spot, view their veteran lineup as capable of contending for a World Series. Miller, averaging a fastball speed of 101 mph, has 20 saves, a 3.76 ERA, and 59 strikeouts this season and is under team control until 2029.
Correa Returns to Astros
Shortstop Carlos Correa is making a return to Houston after being reacquired by the Astros from the Minnesota Twins just before the trade deadline. Correa had an illustrious career in Houston, contributing to the team’s six playoff appearances and its first World Series title in 2017.
Yankees Acquire Pirates Closer Bednar
To bolster their bullpen, the New York Yankees finalized a deal earlier today to acquire two-time All-Star closer David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The transaction, pending medical reviews, involves sending catcher/first base prospect Rafael Flores, catcher Edgleen Perez, and outfielder Brian Sanchez to Pittsburgh.
Mets Enhance Offense with Mullins
The New York Mets have secured center fielder Cedric Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles for three minor league pitchers. Mullins, an All-Star in 2021, will likely enhance the Mets’ offense significantly as they struggled to produce runs from the center field position this season.
Tigers Add Finnegan and Sewald to Bullpen
The Detroit Tigers made strategic moves to strengthen their chances of winning a World Series by acquiring Kyle Finnegan from Washington and Paul Sewald earlier in the day. Finnegan, a former All-Star, has seen a drop in velocity this season but has still managed to secure 20 saves.
Phillies Trade for Bader
The Philadelphia Phillies have traded for outfielder Harrison Bader from the Minnesota Twins, adding depth to their roster. Bader, a 2021 Gold Glove winner, has considerable postseason experience and will contribute both offensively and defensively to a struggling outfield.
