Red Sox Should Pursue Blue Jays Ace Shane Bieber This Offseason
The Boston Red Sox find themselves at a pivotal crossroads as they look to enhance their pitching rotation. With the offseason looming, the idea of targeting Toronto Blue Jays ace Shane Bieber could be a game-changing strategy for the Red Sox.
Bieber’s Value After Injury Recovery
Bieber, a projected $75 million star, represents an intriguing opportunity for Boston. Having undergone Tommy John surgery in April 2024, he made his return to the mound on August 22, showcasing his resilience and skill. After being acquired by the Blue Jays from the Guardians at the trade deadline, he quickly proved his worth. In his seven regular-season starts for Toronto, he allowed two runs or fewer in five of those outings and consistently pitched at least five innings.
His contributions have been crucial as the Blue Jays push toward the World Series, where he has already taken the mound in pivotal games during the American League Championship Series. With a pedigree that includes winning the AL Cy Young Award in 2020 and finishing in the top seven of the voting in both 2019 and 2022, Bieber’s track record speaks volumes about his capabilities.
A Pitching Market Full of Possibilities
As the Red Sox consider their options, free agency will soon open up, presenting a myriad of potential targets to bolster their rotation alongside Garrett Crochet. While previous trade pursuits—such as attempts to land pitchers like Joe Ryan and Sandy Alcántara—did not materialize, the upcoming free-agent market is brimming with talent.
Bieber stands out not only for his past accolades but also for the fact that he could be a bargain compared to some of the higher-priced options available. His return to form after injury makes him a compelling case for the Red Sox, who are in dire need of a reliable starter to strengthen their competitive stance in the American League.
Red Sox’s Strategic Approach
With The Athletic’s Jim Bowden recently highlighting the Red Sox among eight teams that could be a good fit for Bieber, the message is clear: Boston needs to actively pursue this opportunity. Addressing their pitching needs through free agency rather than trades might provide the flexibility they require to build a more robust roster, particularly if they can secure a talent like Bieber at a reasonable cost.
The Red Sox must make a strong case this offseason. Targeting Shane Bieber could very well be the strategic move that elevates their roster and sets them on a path toward contention.
