MLB Insider: Potential Reds trade involving Shane Bieber could be more appealing with player open to long-term extension…
The Cincinnati Reds, previously linked to pitcher Shane Bieber, a former Cy Young Award winner currently on the trade block with the Cleveland Guardians, might find increased momentum in the latest trade rumors. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Bieber is willing to discuss a long-term contract extension with any team interested in acquiring him.
Drawing parallels to the Reds’ approach in the 2019 deal with Sonny Gray after his trade from the New York Yankees, this revelation adds an intriguing dimension to the ongoing Shane Bieber trade speculations.
The recent rumors represent a significant shift in how Nick Krall, the Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations, could navigate negotiations with the Cleveland Guardians.
The potential of securing Bieber not just for the upcoming 2024 season but for several years to come could reshape the team’s strategy.
While signing any pitcher to a long-term deal carries inherent risks, such as the possibility of injuries, as seen with Bieber’s elbow inflammation last season, the Reds’ alternative trade target, Tyler Glasnow, also has a history of setbacks, including Tommy John surgery and an oblique injury.
Despite the inherent risks, the opportunity to acquire a pitcher of Shane Bieber’s caliber, especially one open to a pre-free agency extension, is a rarity. Bieber’s 6-6 record and 3.80 ERA over 128 innings last season, coupled with his track record of pitching deep into games, make him an enticing prospect.
Given the flexibility in the Reds’ financial commitments for the 2024 season and beyond, these recent developments could prompt the Cincinnati Reds to intensify their efforts not only to trade for Bieber but also to negotiate a long-term extension with the talented pitcher.
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