The Toronto Blue Jays are headed toward a seller’s role at the upcoming MLB trade deadline after a sharp decline from their near-championship run last fall.
Sitting in last place in the American League East, the club is expected to move players whose contracts expire after this season and who are unlikely to return in 2027.
One such candidate is right-hander Shane Bieber, a former Cy Young Award winner whose recent injury history and uneven performance have limited his impact this year.
Bieber has posted a 2-2 record with a 5.74 ERA across only seven starts while dealing with lingering physical setbacks. Despite those struggles, a group of writers from The Athletic—Tim Britton, Johnny Flores Jr., Chad Jennings and Eno Sarris—listed him among the top 60 trade candidates with the deadline days away.
The same report identified the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros as clubs that could view him as a potential addition.
In assessing Bieber’s profile, the Athletic writers provided a look at what Bieber could bring to the table for a trade suitor.
“Last year, Bieber didn’t make his debut until mid-August, the result of setbacks in his return from Tommy John surgery. No mind, Bieber saved his best for last, helping propel the Blue Jays to Game 7 of the World Series. Despite some October shine, Bieber accepted his $16 million player option instead of testing the market, a wise decision given that he was placed on the 60-day IL to open 2026. So far, the results haven’t been there, and yet, his past pedigree as a Cy Young Award winner and his postseason track record make him an intriguing deadline option.”
Each of the three teams is searching for rotation help. Baltimore and Houston lack a clear ace in their starting groups, while the Cubs have been thinned by injuries that sidelined Cade Horton for the year and removed Justin Steele from starting duties.
Bieber’s extensive playoff experience could appeal to any contender seeking a pitcher who has performed under pressure. His acquisition cost is expected to remain modest because he must still restore his market value after a difficult campaign.
A new environment might aid that recovery as he attempts to regain the form that once made him one of the game’s top starters.
Among the three clubs, the Astros and Orioles appear to have the greater need. Houston sits one game behind the third AL wild-card position with a .500 record, while Baltimore stands at 53-56 and trails the final wild-card spot by 2½ games.
Neither franchise currently fields a true front-line starter, leaving open the possibility that other teams could also pursue Bieber before the deadline closes.
