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Blue Jays Acquire Former Cy Young Winner Just Before Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 11:52 AM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays have been the hottest team in baseball during the month of July, tallying a league-best 18 wins. Their surge has put them in prime position not only to win the AL East but also to potentially secure the No. 1 overall seed in the American League.

Toronto currently holds a four-game lead over the New York Yankees in the division, and on Thursday, they took full advantage of their final opportunity to upgrade the roster ahead of the trade deadline.

The Blue Jays agreed to trade promising right-handed pitching prospect Khal Stephan in exchange for veteran starter and 2020 Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber, who just completed his fourth rehab start as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery.

The Toronto Blue Jays are finalizing a trade to acquire right-hander Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians, sources tell ESPN. The Jays have been looking for another starter, and they get one in the former AL Cy Young winner. On the news: @jonmorosi.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2025

Bieber has spent his entire MLB career with the Guardians, establishing himself as one of the game’s most consistent and effective pitchers over seven seasons. In 134 career starts, he owns a 3.22 ERA, 1.115 WHIP, and a 62-32 record.

He now joins a Blue Jays rotation that includes Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt, and potentially either Easton Lucas or Eric Lauer, both of whom have made multiple starts this season.

Although Bieber has only made four starts since 2023 due to injury, his latest rehab outing was encouraging—he tossed 57 pitches over four efficient innings and was reportedly pleased with his velocity.

It remains unclear when Toronto will call Bieber up to the big leagues, but the team isn’t in a rush—and all signs continue to trend in the right direction for the 30-year-old right-hander.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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