Padres linked to Cy Young Pitcher as free agency approaches

The Padres’ season has come to an end, which means it’s time to build for the future. Jim Bowden of The Athletic ranked the top 45 free agent prospects who could sign five days after the final game of the World Series. Bowden has linked the Padres to 2020 American League Cy Young pitcher Shane Bieber.

Bieber, 29, played all seven seasons of his MLB career with the Cleveland Indians. The organization selected Bieber with the 122nd overall pick in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB Draft. In 136 career appearances, the starting pitcher has a 62-32 record and 3.22 ERA.

The Southern California native boasts two AL All-Star selections (2019, 2021), a first-team All-MLB selection (2020) and an AL Gold Glove Award (2022). In addition to winning the Cy Young Award in 2020, Bieber finished fourth in voting in 2019 and seventh in 2022.

Bowden called Bieber “the best signing this offseason.” Bieber earned $13.13 million this season. Bowden expects Bieber to receive a contract with “a low base salary with incentives for games started and innings pitched, plus option years.”

Bieber spent almost the entire season on the 60-day injured list, making only two scoreless starts to start the season. He was subjected Tommy John surgery in Aprilwhich was likely the result of a lingering injury sustained in 2023. Last season, Bieber spent two months on the 60-day IL and went to rehab to treat inflammation in his right elbow. He returned at the end of September, but made only two starts for the rest of the season.

His recovery from surgery is expected to last until next summer. Although Bieber will miss part of next season, the team that acquires him could have a healthy standout pitcher in time for the second half of the season.

If the Padres don’t sign Bieber this offseason, Bowden has linked the UC Santa Barbara product to the Dodgers and Rangers. Another option would be to have Bieber stay with the Guardians. Both the Dodgers and Padres are offering Bieber an incentive close to home.

Next season, the Padres will maintain a deep rotation that will include many of their top starting pitchers this season. Yu Darvish, Dylan Keys and Michael King will remain with the Padres in 2025. Bieber’s addition could be the extra boost the Padres need to continue their push into the postseason.