Blue Jays Made 'Best Trade' Of 2025 Deadline, According To Insider
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As the dust settles on the Major League Baseball trade deadline, the Toronto Blue Jays are hoping they made all the right calls.
Toronto still holds a lead in the American League East, though it has shrunk to three games over the surging Boston Red Sox. But their plus-16 run differential doesn't exactly indicate a team that's been dominant, so the roster tweaks they made had better pay off.
The Blue Jays added a few intriguing auxiliary pieces, like relievers Louis Varland and Seranthony Dominguez and first baseman Ty France. But the marquee move they made was acquiring starting pitcher Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: A detail view of the Toronto Blue Jays logo on an equipment bag prior to a spring training game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field on...
TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: A detail view of the Toronto Blue Jays logo on an equipment bag prior to a spring training game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. MoreBieber has not pitched in the majors since April of last season, having undergone Tommy John surgery. But one baseball insider is optimistic that he can make a huge impact on the upcoming pennant chase.
On Monday, Jim Bowden of The Athletic awarded the Blue Jays "best trade" in a column of deadline superlatives for their acquisition of Bieber in exchange for pitching prospect Khal Stephen.
"Bieber has looked spectacular in his rehab starts as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery," Bowden wrote.
"The 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner, who has a career record of 62-32 with a 3.22 ERA, could be a difference-maker this October — if all goes well. In addition, Bieber gives the Jays another strong starter for 2026, though he could decline his player option. This was a steal."
Indeed, Bieber has been fantastic in his rehab outings so far, pitching to a 2.20 ERA and striking out 27 batters in 16 1/3 innings over five outings. He pitched for Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday, and he could make his next outing in the big leagues, or potentially throw one last tune-up in the minors.
Toronto can worry about Bieber's decision on that $16 million player option at a later date. It's all about the push for October now, and they've got to be salivating at the veteran's potential to make an impact.
More MLB: Dodgers Narrowly Missed on Blockbuster Trade for Guardians All-Star: Report
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