MLB Rumors: Purple Sox Made ‘Severe Push’ for Shane Bieber Earlier than Guardians Contract

Earlier than Shane Bieber returned to the Cleveland Guardians in free company, the Boston Purple Sox had been reportedly within the ace.

In line with Robert Murray of FanSided, the Purple Sox had been “aggressive” and made a “severe push” to bolster their rotation by touchdown Bieber.

As an alternative, the 30-year-old stayed with the Guardians on a one-year contract price $14 million that features a $16 million participant choice for the 2026 season (by way of ESPN’s Jeff Passan).

Bieber was off to a robust begin in 2024 earlier than he underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery. In two appearances, he struck out 20 batters in comparison with only one stroll and did not enable an earned run in 12 innings of labor.

Since making his debut for Cleveland in 2018, he is developed into among the best starters within the majors when wholesome. Bieber has two All-Star nods to go together with a 2020 Cy Younger award victory beneath his belt, proudly owning a 3.22 ERA and 1.115 WHIP to go together with common of 10.2 strikeouts per 9 innings in 134 profession begins.

The Purple Sox are coming off a 2024 season through which they completed with a document of 81-81, however there’s potential for them to enhance with a robust farm system and monetary flexibility in free company.

Craig Breslow, Boston’s chief baseball officer, beforehand acknowledged the crew’s want for beginning pitching assist.

“We all know we have to elevate the ceiling of the rotation,” Breslow mentioned, per Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. “I feel there are a number of methods to try this, however we will be actually, actually open-minded.”

The Purple Sox aren’t simply focused on rotation assist, as they’re among the teams vying to signal celebrity Juan Soto in free company.

As they try to land Soto, they will proceed to seek for one other beginning pitcher after lacking out on Bieber.