The Toronto Blue lays made a series of significant moves on MLB’s trade deadline day, most notably acquiring former American League Cy Young-winning pitcher Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians. The deal, which adds a high-ceiling arm to the Blue Jays’ rotation, was just one of several moves designed to bolster the team for a postseason run.
In the deal for Bieber, the Blue Jays sent right-handed pitcher Khal Stephen to Cleveland. Stephen, a 22-year-old minor-leaguer, was ranked as the No. 5 prospect in Toronto’s system by MLB Pipeline and had a breakout year, posting a 9-1 record with a 2.06 ERA across three minor-league levels.
Bieber, 30, is nearing a return from Tommy John surgery and has not pitched in the majors this season. Despite the injury, his potential is immense. The two-time All-Star and 2020 Cy Young winner has been sharp in his rehab starts, including a recent four-inning, seven-strikeout performance with Double-A Akron. The Blue Jays are banking on him regaining his form and providing a significant boost to their starting rotation. Bieber, who has spent his entire career with Cleveland, holds a career record of 62-32 with a 3.22 ERA.
A Busy Deadline Day for Toronto
The acquisition of Bieber was part of a larger deadline-day flurry for the Blue Jays. The team also secured right-handed pitcher Louis Varland and first baseman Ty France from the Minnesota Twins. In exchange, Toronto parted with outfielder Alan Roden and left-handed pitcher Kendry Rojas.
Varland, 27, provides a significant upgrade to the bullpen, having posted a 2.02 ERA in 51 games with the Twins this season, which ranks sixth among AL relievers. The addition of the hard-throwing righty follows a separate trade earlier in the week that brought in reliever Seranthony Dominguez from the Baltimore Orioles. Ty France, 31, adds a veteran right-handed bat to the lineup and is expected to provide depth and versatility at first base. He hit .251 with six home runs for the Twins this season.
OFFICIAL: We’ve acquired RHP Louis Varland and 1B Ty France from the Twins in exchange for OF Alan Roden and LHP Kendry Rojas.
Welcome to the Blue Jays! pic.twitter.com/y2Mh4SP863
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 31, 2025
In another deal, the Blue Jays acquired catching prospect Brandon Valenzuela from the San Diego Padres, sending infielder Will Wagner to San Diego. The 24-year-old Valenzuela is a switch-hitter with solid defensive skills, having thrown out 34.7% of base runners at the Double-A level this season.
Major League Trade Deadline Roundup
The Blue Jays were not the only team making big moves. The trade deadline saw a frenzy of activity across the league:
- Padres land dynamic pitchers: In a blockbuster deal, the San Diego Padres acquired hard-throwing closer Mason Miller and left-hander JP Sears from the Oakland Athletics. They sent a significant package of prospects, including highly-regarded shortstop Leo De Vries, to Oakland.
- Correa returns to Houston: Shortstop Carlos Correa is heading back to the Houston Astros in a deal with the Minnesota Twins. Correa, a former No. 1 overall pick, was a key part of the Astros’ 2017 World Series team and returns to the club with which he spent his first seven seasons.
- Yankees bolster bullpen: The New York Yankees acquired two-time All-Star closer David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates to fortify their bullpen for a postseason push.
- Mets add speed and power: The New York Mets acquired veteran center fielder Cedric Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles for three minor league pitchers, seeking to boost their offense and defense.
- Tigers make bullpen moves: The AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers bolstered their bullpen by acquiring relievers Kyle Finnegan from the Washington Nationals and Paul Sewald from the Cleveland Guardians.
- Phillies land Gold Glove winner: The Philadelphia Phillies acquired Gold Glove-winning outfielder Harrison Bader from the Minnesota Twins, adding a strong defensive presence and another bat to their lineup.
OFFICIAL: We’ve acquired 2x All-Star, All-Star MVP, Cy Young Award Winner, Triple Crown Winner and Gold Glover Shane Bieber from the Guardians in exchange for RHP Khal Stephen.
Welcome to the Blue Jays, Biebs! pic.twitter.com/oGCTd8KCEH
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 31, 2025
Toronto’s Roster lays Reshaped for Contention
With these moves, the Blue Jays have addressed key areas lays of need, signaling lays their intent to be a serious contender. The acquisition of Bieber represents a high-risk, high-reward move for a team lays aiming for a deep playoff run. If he returns to form, he could be an lays ace at the top of their rotation. The additions of Varland and Dominguez provide much-needed depth and high-leverage options for the bullpen, a critical component of any successful postseason team.
The team’s front office clearly prioritized winning now, as evidenced by the departure of some of lays their promising prospects. Khal Stephen, the centerpiece of the Bieber deal, was a highly-regarded arm with a lays bright future. Alan Roden, who went to the Twins, was also a recent Minor League Player of the Year. These lays trades, while costly in terms of future talent, demonstrate a clear focus on the present season.
The Blue Jays’ moves are reflective of the broader market trends at lays this year’s trade deadline, which saw many contenders pushing their chips to the middle of the table. Teams like the Padres, Yankees, and Phillies all made significant moves to address specific weaknesses, making the second half of the season and the postseason a thrilling race to watch.
