Guardians 'trying to move' Kwan and Bieber (source)

[Auggie]

The Guardians appear determined to make a big splash as Trade Deadline sellers. A source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that Cleveland is “trying to move” both left fielder Steven Kwan and right-hander Shane Bieber.

Kwan in particular is drawing a “ton” of interest, with Rosenthal naming the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Phillies and Padres among the teams believed to be in the mix. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman includes the Reds in that group as well.

Bieber, the 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner, hasn't pitched in a big league game since April 2024. However, he is nearing a return to the Majors after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He looked sharp in his latest rehab start on Tuesday, tossing four innings of one-run ball on 57 pitches.

During Wednesday's episode of the Baseball Tonight podcast, ESPN's Jeff Passan said he is hearing Bieber's name "more and more" in trade talks. He also wrote that the Cubs are an option for the 30-year-old right-hander. The Dodgers have spoken to the Guardians about Bieber, per MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi.

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-rumors-trades-and-signings?t=trades-and-transactions

Tragic to lose Kwan, but dig a little deep and one might understand why:

Top minor league prospects are struggling and/or beset with injury upon injury.

Reliever Clase and starter Ortiz face suspensions for gambling.

Bieber is a FA end of year and will be signed for big bucks.

Several young guys in the lineup -- Naylor, Schneeman, Fry, Jones, Rosario, Arias -- just ain't doing it.

There still might be enough to build on: a solid starting five, a very good bullpen, and one of the best players in the game, Jose Ramirez, at third.

Damn shame to face rebuilding again.

Kwan in Los Angeles? Oh my ...

[True Dough]

1. Bieber gone to the Blue Jays

and the Guardians didn't get much in return. Just motivated to unload salary, it appears. And, of course, there's a lingering question of how he'll bounce back from surgery.

[Auggie]

2. Their hands were tied with Bieber

He's a FA end of year and would have signed elsewhere for more money than Cleveland would be willing to risk on a Tommy John comeback. At least they got something.

May have gotten the best years out of him already. We shall see.

[True Dough]

3. Kwan stayed put anyway.

[Auggie]

4. He's under control until 2027 ...

but eligible for arbitration in 2026.

That’s provided there IS a season. The impending strike, you know.

I guess Cleveland wanted to see more from their underachievers.