Toronto Blue Jays acquire Shane Bieber from Guardians, adding pitching firepower alongside Varland and France before MLB trade deadline.
Blue Jays Make Major Moves at Trade Deadline
Star Pitcher Shane Bieber Headlines Toronto’s Deadline Deals
The Toronto Blue Jays delivered a headline-grabbing performance ahead of the MLB trade deadline, acquiring former Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians. The 30-year-old right-hander adds elite talent to Toronto’s pitching staff as the club intensifies its playoff push.
Key Trade with Guardians Adds Experience and Depth
In exchange for Bieber, Cleveland received Khal Stephen, a 22-year-old top-five prospect in Toronto’s farm system. The move reflects Toronto’s commitment to bolstering its rotation with a proven ace. Bieber, currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, has posted a 1.59 ERA in four minor league starts and is expected to return to MLB action soon.
More Arms and a Bat from Minnesota
The Blue Jays weren’t done. Toronto also struck a deal with the Minnesota Twins, acquiring reliever Louis Varland and first baseman Ty France. In return, outfielder Alan Roden and left-handed pitcher Kendry Rojas were sent to the Twins.
Varland, 27, brings a strong 2.02 ERA through 51 appearances this season, ranking sixth among AL relievers. France, 31, adds a reliable bat with a .251 average, 44 RBIs, and six homers in 101 games.
Catching Prospect Joins from San Diego
Toronto further deepened its future talent pool by trading infielder Will Wagner to the San Diego Padres for 24-year-old catching prospect Brandon Valenzuela. The Mexican backstop has impressed at Double-A with 12 home runs and a 34.7% caught stealing rate—second-best at his level.
Why These Deals Matter
Toronto’s front office is clearly going all-in. The club is positioning itself as a legitimate postseason threat, addressing both pitching depth and offensive consistency. With Bieber on track to rejoin the majors and bullpen reinforcements like Varland, the Blue Jays are shoring up key weaknesses that have plagued their midseason form.
How It Affects the Playoff Race
These acquisitions arrive just in time for a fierce AL East battle. With the addition of another reliever, Seranthony Dominguez from the Orioles earlier this week, Toronto now boasts a deeper, more versatile pitching staff heading into August. The team sits within reach of a Wild Card spot, and the infusion of experienced players may prove decisive in the final stretch.
© 2025 Mapple News Wire
