Dodgers Discussing Talking Trade for Guardians’ Cy Young Winner originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ trade deadline focus may be on adding another outfielder and solidifying their bullpen. However, that has not stopped the organization from engaging in trade talks to acquire another starting pitcher.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Dodgers have spoken to the Cleveland Guardians about a trade for former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber.

Bieber, 30, has not pitched in the majors this season, after suffering an elbow injury in April of 2024 that resulted in Tommy John surgery. While there are more reliable pitchers on the market, Bieber offers potentially the highest ceiling.

The injury concerns are prevalent, but his recent rehab outings offer promise of a return to form. In four minor-league rehab starts, Bieber has a 1.59 ERA and a 0.71 WHIP. The right-hander displayed swing-and-miss stuff with 21 total strikeouts, and his fastball consistently touched 95 mph. While he has yet to reach five innings in one outing, the success is a good indication that he is healthy and nearing a return.

The cost to acquire Bieber should also be cheaper than that of Pirates’ Mitch Keller or Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara, given the uncertainty of his injury. Even his $16 million player option for 2026 could be a point of contention that further lowers his value.

If Cleveland is willing to take a lower offer for Bieber, and there is no indication they will, then the Dodgers should jump at the chance to acquire the two-time All-Star. Not only could Bieber add depth to a rotation just now starting to get healthy, but a trade could also bring the right-hander back to his home of Southern California.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.