Guardians Unlikely to Trade Dodgers’ Pitching Target, Per New York Post Insider

The Dodgers front office has been looking to upgrade the starting rotation all offseason, and they’ve already added a few big names. However, the team is still reportedly looking for another starter to finalize the rotation.

One name that has been linked with Los Angeles all offseason is starting pitcher Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Guardians. Bieber will be a free agent at the end of the season, and could provide the Dodgers with a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm.

However, it seems that Cleveland may not trade their one-time ace with their eyes set on winning the American League Central next season. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman had the report.

“Though one GM said the Guardians are still talking about star pitcher Shane Bieber, the latest word is that a trade involving Bieber is very unlikely. The Guardians have a chance to win the AL Central, so it was always going to be difficult to thread that needle.”

Per Jon Heyman of The New York Post

Last season with the Guardians, Bieber made 21 starts for the team. He posted an ERA of 3.80 and a WHIP of 1.23.

Bieber has been an effective pitcher in the league for a while now, but he has seen a drop in his abilities over the last year or two. However, he could still provide the Dodgers with a solid arm to use to eat some innings.

The rotation is missing a pitcher who can eat innings, and Bieber would be the missing piece to the puzzle. Even if the Guardians don’t move Bieber this offseason, the Dodgers could look to trade for him at the deadline.

Heyman didn’t provide an update on the Guardian’s plans regarding All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase — another player the Dodgers have been linked to this offseason. However, if they’re trying to win the AL Central, they’d likely want to keep Clase around, too.

The Dodgers’ front office has been doing their due diligence all winter, and it’s been a successful offseason so far. The organization has a World Series or bust mentality, and they are expected to add even more talent before the final roster is set.

Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

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