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As MLB’s Winter Meetings approach, former Reds and Nationals general manager Jim Bowden has proposed a trade scenario for the Atlanta Braves, suggesting they acquire pitching reinforcements. Writing for The Athletic, Bowden outlined six trades he’d like to see happen, and one involves the Braves making a deal with the Cleveland Guardians to acquire right-handed pitcher Shane Bieber, the 2020 AL Cy Young winner.
Bieber, 28, had a challenging season in 2023, marked by an elbow injury that led to his worst statistical performance since his debut in 2018. He posted a 6-6 record with a 3.80 ERA in 21 starts, pitching 128 innings. Notably, his strikeout rate dipped to a career-low 7.5 batters per nine innings, totaling 107 strikeouts, along with 34 walks (2.4 walks per nine innings) and 14 home runs (1.0 home run per nine innings).
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Despite the setback, Bieber is a two-time All-Star and has received Cy Young votes in three different seasons. The proposal envisions a potential rebound for Bieber with improved health and a change of scenery. His standout season was in 2020 when he achieved an 8-1 record with a league-best 1.63 ERA, securing the AL Cy Young. In that shortened season, Bieber led MLB in ERA, FIP (2.07), strikeouts (122), and strikeout rate (14.2 K/9). He also boasted the lowest hits per nine innings (5.4) in the American League, and his 273 ERA+ topped all qualified AL starters.
Heading into the 2024 season, Bieber has one year of contractual control remaining, having earned just over $10 million in arbitration in 2023. MLB Trade Rumors projects his salary to be $12.2 million in 2024.
The suggested trade scenario by Bowden implies that the Braves could benefit from Bieber’s potential resurgence, providing them with a seasoned arm for the upcoming season. As the Winter Meetings approach, it remains to be seen whether the Braves will explore such a deal to strengthen their pitching rotation.
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