The Toronto Blue Jays made a significant move on the MLB trade deadline day by acquiring right-handed pitcher Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians. In return, Cleveland received right-hander Khal Stephen, a 22-year-old prospect ranked fifth in Toronto’s system by MLB Pipeline.
Additionally, Toronto added right-handed pitcher Louis Varland and first baseman Ty France from the Minnesota Twins, along with catching prospect Brandon Valenzuela from the San Diego Padres. To complete the deals, Toronto sent outfielder Alan Roden and left-handed pitcher Kendry Rojas to the Twins, while infielder Will Wagner was traded to the Padres.
Bieber, a former American League Cy Young winner, is close to returning from Tommy John surgery and has not played in the majors this season. The 30-year-old has a stellar track record, with a 62-32 record and a 3.22 ERA over 136 big-league appearances. He also boasts two All-Star selections, a Gold Glove award, and was the 2019 All-Star Game MVP.
In another move, the Blue Jays acquired reliever Seranthony Dominguez from the Baltimore Orioles to bolster their pitching staff. Varland, who posted a 2.02 ERA with the Twins this season, and France, who hit .251 with 19 doubles and six home runs, were among the key additions to the team.
Valenzuela, a promising catching prospect, showcased his talents with San Antonio this season, while Roden and Rojas, along with Wagner, were part of the trade deals to strengthen Toronto’s roster. The Blue Jays are making strategic moves to enhance their competitiveness and make a push for the postseason.
Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres made a significant trade with the Oakland Athletics, acquiring closer Mason Miller and left-hander JP Sears to bolster their pitching staff. The Padres sent a package of prospects to the A’s in exchange for the dynamic reliever and dependable starter.
The flurry of trade activities ahead of the deadline reflects the teams’ efforts to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming challenges in the MLB season. The Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres, among others, are positioning themselves for success as they aim to secure playoff berths and make a deep postseason run.