Could the Guardians trade pitcher Shane Bieber? Here are the potential landing spots

CLEVELAND — It's possible that Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber won't actually throw a pitch for Cleveland in 2025.

Bieber, who has been rehabbing from Tommy John surgery all year, is rumored to be among the starting pitchers potentially available on the open market as the July 31 trade deadline draws closer.

Bieber is one of the most intriguing players who might be available at the deadline, though his situation is a bit complicated. When healthy, he has ace-level potential. But he won't be ready to return to major league action for at least a week or two, so interested clubs would need to trade for a player who they only can evaluate in rehab assignments.

The Guardians, meanwhile, have had a roller coaster of a few weeks, especially when it pertains to their standing in the trade market. A 10-game skid was followed by an 11-2 hot streak that brought them back into the playoff race.

Then, All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase was added to MLB's gambling investigation, sidelining him through at least Aug. 31, a major gut-punch in the team's quest to make up ground in the American League wild card standings.

The Guardians are known for a front office that stands its ground when it comes to value. But they've also long maintained they'll at least answer the phone and talk through a wide variety of trade avenues.

Shane Bieber contract info

This past offseason, Bieber signed a one-year deal with the Guardians for $10 million that included a player option for 2026 valued at $16 million with an opt-out of $4 million.

That adds a layer to this trade value, as any team acquiring him would be on the line for roughly $3.2 million for the rest of this season plus another $4 million for his opt-out, which means it could cost the new team $7.2 million for two months of Bieber coming off of Tommy John surgery. It's high risk, high reward.

A trade takes two to tango, and it could come from just about anywhere. But here are the top candidates who might be the best fit for a Bieber trade.

All system and top-100 prospect rankings are via MLB Pipeline.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have plenty of ammo to get multiple major deals done, as they have not only the most talent on paper at the major league level but one of the top farm systems as well. It's an embarrassment of riches.

Dalton Rushing, viewed as one of the top young catchers in the game, would be of particular interest. Rushing is also partially blocked by All-Star Will Smith.

Beyond Rushing, the Dodgers have a plethora of top-100 prospects, including outfielder Josue De Paula (No. 21), outfielder Zyhir Hope (No. 30), infielder Alex Freeland (No. 35), outfielder Eduardo Quintero (No. 79), outfielder Mike Sirota (No. 90) and left-handed pitcher Jackson Ferris (No. 96).

In fact, the Dodgers could quite easily deal for both Steven Kwan and Bieber if they wanted to kick enough value into the pot.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are among the leading contenders who could take a chance on Bieber's return from Tommy John surgery as they try to track down the first-place Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central.

The Cubs have a number of top-100 prospects, mostly on the position-player side, including outfielder Owen Caissie (No. 36), catcher/first baseman Moises Ballesteros (No. 47), middle infielder Jefferson Rojas (No. 57), Kevin Alcantara (No. 76).

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have every reason to go all in, as they've surged ahead in the AL East. But their farm system is on the weaker side, at least on the top end.

The Blue Jays have two top-50 prospects, shortstop Arjun Nimmala (No. 45) and right-handed pitcher Trey Yesavage (No. 50), who could be targets for the Guardians.

New York Yankees

The Yankees are another team in the AL East who would be a good fit to add a front line starter like Bieber.

The Yankees' top trade chip is George Lombard Jr. (No. 29 overall), their lone top-90 prospect. Right-handed pitchers Carlos Lagrange and Cam Schlittler break the top-100 at Nos. 94 and 95, respectively. Outfielder Spencer Jones, the Yankees' No. 4-ranked prospect, has also gained some attention with a blistering hot season in Triple-A.

Steven Kwan also a trade deadline target for other MLB teams

Here are the top candidates for a Steven Kwan trade, one that will come with a higher price tag.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: If Guardians trade Shane Bieber, Dodgers, Cubs among interested teams