Cleveland Guardians Rumors: Shane Bieber drawing interest from team out west

There is no shortage of suitors for Cleveland Guardians pitcher Shane Bieber. The former Cy Young Award winner from 2020 is mentioned in another report as a potential target for a team that could need pitching.

The latest development comes from The Athletic (subscription required). It is the Los Angeles Angels who have been contacting teams about potentially acquiring a starting pitcher in a manner that was described as aggressive. Los Angeles has reached out regarding Bieber, in addition to Tyler Glasnow of the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers ace Corbin Burnes. 

It certainly seems like the Angels intend on improving their starting rotation, and a team such as the Guardians could possibly use their aggressiveness in order to get a better trade package in return for Bieber (perhaps some help in the outfield could be on the way). Cleveland's front office must find a way to improve whatever they can get for Bieber (if they are serious about trading him), considering the projected trade packages have varied in quality.

MLB's Winter Meeting coming to an end with a rumor involving the Guardians and trade talks of relatively unknown substance is hardly a surprise. In fact, it should have been expected, in all honesty, and not just for one reason.

Once the regular season came to an end, Bieber took center stage as the Guardian's most talked about and most probable player in trade projections and rumors alike. With Bieber set to become a free agent after 2024, it was only natural to consider the possibility of a trade. However, it is an uncertain financial situation that could complicate matters in the competitiveness department. The Guardians are not expected to have an increased payroll next season and could look to get under last season's number for an added buffer, given the circumstances.

There is also a chance all of this is much ado about nothing. The Guardians are an organization that listens to offers for everyone, and yes, that means everyone. Cleveland's front office could simply be acquiring intel on how Bieber is valued on the trade market and whether or not they believe it to be all that different from what they could get at the trade deadline should a trade become necessary. 

An offseason trade of Bieber seems very possible and could happen any day now. The true test will be once the first big pitching domino falls. If Bieber were to reemerge in trade rumors the moment the above-mentioned pitchers and any notable free agents are off the table, it could signal that there is a market for Bieber and that Cleveland could make out well in a possible trade. If that were to not happen, that could mean the demand for Bieber is not at a level that would result in the Guardians getting an appropriate return.

Now, it's time to play the waiting game.