Cleveland, Ohio For the Guardians, it was a routine trade deadline.
They claimed right-hander Carlos Hernandez on waivers from the Tigers prior to Thursday’s 6 p.m. deadline, but they traded right-handers Shane Bieber and Paul Sewald instead of outfielder Steven Kwan.
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If closer Emmanuel Clase hadn’t been placed on paid leave after becoming embroiled in MLB’s gambling investigation on Monday, the deadline would have been livelier. In the past two days, a number of relievers have been moved, including closers Ryan Helsley, Mason Miller, and Jhoan Dura.
Clase could have had a dance partner if the Guardians had wanted to. On a team-friendly contract, he has been the American League’s dominant closer for the past four years. He might now face a lifelong ban.
Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations for the Guardians, stated that there are numerous factors that we had to take into account during this time of year. One of them was undoubtedly the recent unexpected events brought on by the MLB gambling investigation. Ultimately, we are happy with our roster for the remainder of 2025 and look forward to what is ahead.
For weeks, there have been rumors that Kwan, an All-Star and Gold Glove left fielder, will be traded. The season appeared to be ending early since the Guardians were playing.500 ball and Clase and fellow pitcher Luis Ortiz were involved in MLB’s gambling probe.
Antonetti responded, “What I can confirm about Steven is not only do we have a profound appreciation for what he’s able to contribute on the field and in the clubhouse, but so does the rest of baseball,” when asked how close the Guardians were to dealing Kwan.
Kwan was reportedly of interest to the Dodgers, Toronto, San Diego, and the Mets. The Padres purchased Ramon Laureano and Ryan O. Hearn from Baltimore after bowing out of the Kwan bidding.
Although it’s uncertain if Kwan and the Guardians would ever agree on an extension, his prospects of staying with the team are far higher than they would have been had he been dealt on Thursday.
Bieber has been on the disabled list since having ligament transplant surgery on his right elbow in April 2024, which is why the move was unexpected. Bieber pitched four innings in Double-A Akron’s rehab game on Tuesday. He should be starting in Toronto’s AL-East leading rotation sometime in late August if he keeps improving.
Bieber was traded to the Guardians for right-hander Khal Stephen. He was selected in the second round by Toronto in 2024, and he is now battling an impingement in his right shoulder.
According to Antonetti, there are several positive aspects of Khal. He has a good physique and is a large, powerful starting pitcher. In addition to throwing five different pitches, he just added a splitter, which has improved his game.
We believe he is a man who can effectively record major league innings in addition to doing so.
At Cleveland’s spring training facility in Goodyear, Arizona, Stephen is recovering from a shoulder injury. He will join Class AA Akron whenever he is well enough to pitch.
Bieber was a Guardian from home. He received the Cy Young Award in 2020 after being selected in the 2016 draft and making his major league debut in 2018. After the 2019 season, Bieber became Cleveland’s ace when Corey Kluber was traded to Texas for Clase.
On two levels, the Sewald trade was unexpected. In addition to being hurt when he was traded, it was widely believed that he had strained his right shoulder’s teres major muscle, ending his season. In addition, he was traded by the Guardians to the AL Central-leading Tigers, who are nine games behind them.
Antonetti responded, “We continue to believe in the group of players that are here,” when asked if he thought the Guardians will make it to the postseason. Not only at the major league level, but also with players from our minor league system’s higher tiers who we think could be of assistance.
Going into September, I hope we continue to play our best baseball and keep things interesting.
With a 54-54 record, the Guardians are 2 1/2 games outside of the third and final wild card slot, which is held by Texas and Seattle.
This season, Hernandez, 28, has pitched for the Tigers and Phillies. In 36 appearances, he is 1-0 with a 6.69 ERA (27 earned runs in 36 1/3 innings).
He has played with the Royals, Phillies, and Tigers in the major leagues for six years.
He has good stuff in his power arm. Antonetti said. There are some excellent ingredients there, but we’ll work with Carlos to try to create a more reliable performance.
