2024 seemed prefer it was going to be Shane Bieber’s bounce-back 12 months. He was completely dominant in his first two begins in Cleveland.
Then the worst information a pitcher can hear occurred.
Tommy John.
Bieber spent the final 16 months rehabbing from Tommy John in Cleveland, however after a disappointing first half to the season, he was dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays for top-100 prospect Khal Stephen.
The Guardians needed to make this deal. They acquired one of many fastest-rising pitching prospects within the minors for a participant who’s missed a lot of the final two seasons. Not solely that, Bieber had a participant possibility on his contract, and if he performed nicely, he most probably would have opted out to signal a long-term deal.
Friday was his first begin again, and it seems like Cleveland would have been priced out of Bieber.
In his first main league begin since needing to realize a Canadian visa, Bieber seemed like he didn’t miss a beat: six innings, two hits, no walks, 9 strikeouts and solely 87 pitches.
The Marlins lineup, particularly with out Kyle Stowers, isn’t precisely stuffed with world beaters, however that is exactly what you need to see in the event you’re a Blue Jays fan. A number of the media was confused concerning the Blue Jays not likely going all in on the deadline. The AL East is having considerably of a down 12 months, particularly with the accidents the Yankees proceed to pile up.
They added Louis Varland and Ty France, who’re stable depth items, however Bieber was the crown jewel addition on the deadline. They paid a hefty value for somebody who was actually a query mark, however they may have discovered their playoff ace and a star they may even find yourself signing long run.
Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt and Eric Lauer have been stable this season, however nothing to write down dwelling about. None of them actually really feel like an arm you possibly can journey to a World Collection. With a wholesome and dominant Bieber, one who’s already reaching 95 mph together with his fastball, the Blue Jays are formally a contender.
The Blue Jays are at present +1000 to win the World Collection and +390 to win the American League. Now is perhaps the time to guess on Toronto earlier than the books modify to them discovering an ace.
