Exclusive: Explosive Talks With Guardians for Former Cy Young Winner! You Won’t Believe the Latest Buzz! ⚾💫 #DodgersAlert #MLBInsider

When Stan Kasten, CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers, expressed the team’s ongoing commitment to improvement following an extensive billion-dollar spending spree in December, he meant it. The Dodgers have been the most proactive team this off-season, striving to shape the 2020s as their dominant decade.

While the Dodgers already boast a formidable starting rotation, there is a notable absence of major league experience beyond recently acquired right-hander Tyler Glasnow and the returning ace, Walker Buehler. With pitchers and catchers still over a month away from reporting to spring training, the Dodgers’ front office is open to adding a seasoned arm to the mix.

According to insights from Dodgers insider Juan Toribio, the team has approached the Cleveland Guardians regarding former Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber. Bieber is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2024 season. However, dealing with the Guardians is known to be challenging, and they are not compelled to trade the accomplished right-hander.

As relayed by Juan Toribio through MLB.com, Bieber, at 28 years old, has one more season of team control and has already established an impressive career in his six seasons. He secured the 2020 American League Cy Young award, a Gold Glove, the pitching triple crown, and earned two All-Star selections.

Although Bieber faced a dip in performance in 2023, finishing with a 6-6 record and a 3.80 ERA in 21 starts, this decline coincided with a period of inactivity due to right elbow inflammation between July 9 and Sept. 22. While the impact on his command and increased walk and contact rates were noted, the Dodgers’ scouts and performance staff may have identified correctable flaws that piqued their interest in the right-hander.

The Dodgers, true to their commitment to improvement, have already secured Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Despite the slow pace of the overall offseason, Dodger fans have reason to be excited. Even if discussions with Bieber do not yield results, it wouldn’t be surprising to see another established starting pitcher join the team in Los Angeles.