Cleveland Guardians: 6 potential suitors for an in-season Shane Bieber trade

Though it didn't happen this offseason, there's a distinct possibility that Cleveland Guardians pitcher Shane Bieber could be dealt sometime around the trade deadline this year.

It would likely only come if the Guardians are faltering, unable to compete in a weak AL Central and in need of more retooling on this still-young roster. In a perfect world, the Guardians put together another surprising run for the division, and Bieber sticks around for all of it. Cleveland could then give him a qualifying offer to recoup a draft pick, or the Guardians could do the unthinkable and sign Bieber to an extension (that'll all depend on how his 2024 season goes).

Still, as the season unfolds, it'll become more clear as to what teams need pitching down the stretch, and which teams are serious about making a deep playoff run. Here are six potential suitors who could be looking at a Shane Bieber deal closer to the trade deadline.

6 Potential Trade Suitors for Shane Bieber This Season

Baltimore Orioles

Pitchers and catchers just reported, and the Orioles are already having their pitching depth tested. Baltimore did trade for Corbin Burnes, but Kyle Bradish already has a sprained right UCL and John Means is still behind in coming back from elbow soreness that kept him out of the postseason. Bradish, who was one of the best pitchers in baseball during the second half last season, will likely start the season on the IL, so Baltimore is likely looking at every option available to stay afloat in the hyper-competitive AL East.

Texas Rangers

Like the Orioles, the Rangers are armed with a top-flight farm system, which they might need to dip into in their pursuit of a second World Series title. As far as their rotation goes, Jacob deGrom isn't expected back until August, and Max Scherzer will turn 40 during the season, so who knows what Texas can realistically expect from either of them in 2024. There is decent depth in the rest of the rotation - Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Dane Dunning, Tyler Mahle included - but the Rangers will likely be active at the trade deadline again.