Dodgers ‘Likely’ To Take a Gamble on Former Cy Young Winner: Report

The Los Angeles Dodgers could potentially take a gamble on acquiring right-hander Shane Bieber in free agency.

Although there is a certain level of risk in acquiring the right-hander, the Dodgers’ pitching rotation could certainly use an elite arm like Bieber’s, despite his season-ending elbow injury.

Bieber would be a key front of the rotation addition for any team when healthy, and the Dodgers are “likely” to gamble on such a high-risk, high-reward target in free agency, according to Jim Bowden of The Athletic. So are the Texas Rangers, per Bowden, setting the stage for a bidding war for an unusual free agent.

Bieber has missed significant time with the Cleveland Guardians for the second consecutive season in 2024. Both of Bieber’s injury absences in recent years were due to trouble with his elbow.

His latest injury was especially heartbreaking for fans, given his form looked reminiscent of his 2020 American League Cy Young season. Bieber underwent Tommy John surgery in April.

Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti spoke on the loss of Bieber to the pitching rotation.

“First and foremost, we feel for Shane,” Antonetti told MLB.com’s Mandy Bell. “There’s a lot of things that he’s got to process right now and work through on the mental side because of just how set he is on wanting to pitch and contribute to the team. And not being able to do that has really impacted him.”

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt spoke highly of the right-hander following the diagnosis of the UCL injury.

“The amount of work that this guy’s put in over the last few years, the things that he’s pitched through, that’s a testament to who he is,” manager Vogt said. “The amount of empathy and pain that I feel with Shane, for Shane, that’s really what speaks the loudest right now.”

The future looked dim for Bieber; however, he was listed as The Athletic’s No.12 top potential free agent.

Bieber isn’t expected to return to the mound until next summer. The 29-year-old could potentially sign a two-year deal at a reduced rate rather than waiting to sign until he’s fully healthy.

Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

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