Recovering Cy Young Winner Could Fit Red Sox Deadline Formula

The Boston Red Sox are keeping their options open at the trade deadline — just not swinging for the fences.

The Cleveland Guardians are believed to be open to trade offers on right-hander Shane Bieber as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan,

While his uncertain health clouds his value, Bieber’s profile aligns with a pattern the Red Sox have followed in recent years — showing confidence in veterans returning from injury.

Boston already banked on rebound campaigns from Lucas Giolito and Patrick Sandoval, both working back from elbow issues. Bieber fits that mold — a once-elite arm now fighting to reclaim form.

He is not the kind of headliner who dominates headlines at the deadline, but he offers exactly the kind of layered upside Boston has gambled on before. With a Cy Young in his past and questions in his present, Bieber straddles the line between risk and value — an equation the Red Sox have not shied away from solving.

Still, his situation isn’t cut and dry. Bieber is on a rehab stint, carries a contract with a looming player option, and could walk in free agency if he pitches well. That risk-reward calculus may give Boston pause.

Per Passan, the Red Sox view the current trade market as inefficient and appear hesitant to meet the high asking prices for top-tier targets like Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins or Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Breslow’s approach has been measured all year, and the team remains hesitant to surrender significant prospect capital unless the return is both controllable and impactful. That is unlikely to be the case with Bieber, whose timeline and health remain in flux.

Boston’s starting rotation may require reinforcements, but unless the deadline landscape shifts dramatically, any additions are likely to mirror the Bieber blueprint — short-term gambles on rebound arms, not major overhauls or a move for a star.

For now, the Red Sox appear more likely to bet on bouncebacks than blockbusters.