In similar fashion to last year when the Los Angeles Dodgers faced a need in their starting rotation, they are in search of bullpen help at the trade deadline this season.
Among other possibilities, the Dodgers have been connected to the likes of Ryan Helsley, Pete Fairbanks, Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax and Louis Varland. For the time being, they also are looking to potentially leverage an internal option by shifting Bobby Miller to the bullpen.
And with their starting rotation on track to get back to full health this weekend, the Dodgers reportedly are open to a Dustin May trade.
Amid a variety of possibilities before the 3 p.m. PT deadline on Thursday, the Dodgers discussed a Shane Bieber trade with the Cleveland Guardians, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network:
The Dodgers and Guardians have spoken about Shane Bieber, the former AL Cy Young Award winner from Laguna Hills High School.@MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 30, 2025
On Wednesday morning it was reported the Guardians are looking to trade both Bieber and Steven Kwan before the deadline passes. The Dodgers have been among the teams connected to Kwan, with the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds also mentioned.
Though, that was prior to the Reds reportedly trading for Ke’Bryan Hayes in a deal that’s sending prospects Sammy Stafura and Taylor Rogers to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Kwan is under team control through the 2027 season, whereas Bieber holds a $16 million player option ($4 million buyout) for 2026. Bieber signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Guardians in December 2024.
With the player option and buyout factored in, Bieber’s deal effectively was for two years and $26 million, or $14 million for one year.
Would Shane Bieber help Dodgers?
Bieber has yet to make his season debut after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2024. He completed a fourth start on his rehab assignment Tuesday night, which reportedly drew plenty of scouts in attendance.
Bieber once was one of the top pitchers in baseball, with his accolades including an American League Cy Young Award in 2020 and two All-Star Game selections.
There is some injury risk with the 30-year-old coming off Tommy John, but the Orange, Calif., native conceivably could be of value for the Dodgers as they utilize a six-man starting rotation and look to maintain some depth.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
