Bieber is a high-risk, high-reward trade for sure. That's a good prospect they've just given up for someone who is currently not playing in MLB and might not be able to be effective.
But he's a former Cy Young winner - if he can get back to 90% effectiveness he's likely the game 1 playoff starter, which is a big upgrade to the rotation (and the bullpen, by pushing someone down).
That player option is interesting. Unless he's absolutely lights-out I think he'll probably take that, because the sample size will be too small for him to get a big dollar long term deal after a TJ return. Obviously him being absolutely unhittable and earning a big long term contract would be a good thing. If he ends up not returning effectively then you're out another $16MM, which could have been a factor in the Guardians wanting to move him - they may not have wanted that financial risk.
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