Rough outing raises questions about Bieber’s future with Guardians

CLEVELAND — There have been loads of complicated facets to the Guardians’ season to this point, however Shane Bieber‘s future with the membership could also be on the prime of the checklist.

As we draw nearer to the Aug. 1 Commerce Deadline, the highlight turns into brighter on Cleveland’s ace. When he pitches like he did within the first 5 innings in Cleveland’s 7-1 loss to the Brewers on Friday evening at Progressive Subject, his commerce worth can solely skyrocket.

However when he hits hiccups like he did within the sixth inning, giving up two fast hits earlier than a three-run blast that prompted his exit from the sport, extra questions get thrown into the combination.

The Guardians have had conversations with Bieber prior to now relating to contract extensions, however with the 28-year-old righty set to hit free company after the 2024 season, it appears all however sure that Bieber will quickly be in one other uniform. Will that be through the summer season? Will it wait till the winter?

There’s quite a bit to unpack right here.

Step 1: Does he make the Guardians a extra aggressive crew?
First, Cleveland wants to find out if it’s practical to be contenders this season.

The expectations had been via the roof coming into 2023 after a powerful and unexpectedly profitable season final 12 months. However the membership was nonetheless the youngest within the Majors on Opening Day and the rising pains have been extra seen this season than final.

The Guardians are three games under .500but they’re nonetheless solely trailing the first-place Twins by two video games. As a result of the AL Central has been largely uncompetitive, it appears possible to assume Cleveland might stay a contender for the division title it doesn’t matter what occurs. However can this crew make a playoff run past AL Central opponents?

If the Guardians assume they’ll be contenders, they’ve to find out if Bieber performs an even bigger position of their success or if he might as a substitute convey them some offensive items that can assist take them to the subsequent degree.

If the rotation will get worn down with out him, particularly with so many younger arms, perhaps a bat or two wouldn’t function huge of a objective. But when the pitching employees can deal with dropping him, this offense actually might use some assist.

Step 2: What’s Bieber’s commerce worth?
Let’s say the Guardians decide it’s price buying and selling Bieber now. The subsequent query turns into: What’s his commerce worth?

Total, Bieber nonetheless has been a dependable starter this season. He owns a 3.69 ERA and has accomplished no less than six innings in 11 of his 16 outings. He’s additionally a much-needed veteran presence for a younger rotation. However his peripheral numbers haven’t indicated that he’s trending in the fitting course.

For instance, earlier than he had his eight-Ok evening on Friday, his strikeout fee sat at 17.5%, which was down 7.5% from final 12 months. Solely Andrew Heaney (10.9%) and Cristian Javier (10.2%) had seen bigger drops of their Ok% (min. 60 IP in every season).

However then, Bieber cruised via the primary 4 innings, racking up eight strikeouts. His peripheral numbers are regarding. His precise stats aren’t. The Guardians have confirmed time and time once more that when they decide what they consider their participant is price, they won’t transfer him for a penny much less.

If different groups gained’t match no matter demand Cleveland would have, it’s uncertain conversations will get too far.

If different groups are involved about a few of these underlying tendencies in Bieber’s numbers, perhaps a contender isn’t keen to half methods with some Main League prepared bats that Cleveland would goal. But when a contending crew sees what he’s been capable of produce this 12 months, then perhaps it’ll be price making a commerce.

Step three: However what about Triston McKenzie?
Two weeks in the past, this debate might’ve ended after the primary two steps.

However now, the Guardians are actually counting on their youthful pitchers. Gavin Williams has by no means thrown greater than 115 innings in a season earlier than. Tanner Bibee and Logan Allen have each maxed out at 132 2/3 frames.

It will’ve been simpler to handle their workloads if Aaron Civale, Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill would all be within the rotation. However now that McKenzie is down for no less than 4 to 6 weeks, he’s out of fee for the foreseeable future. Meaning extra innings will fall on the shoulders of the younger hurlers who haven’t had that have simply but.

Perhaps they’d all be capable of deal with it. But it surely goes to point out that the query: “Ought to the Guardians commerce Shane Bieber,” is far more than a “sure” or “no” reply.