Bieber said Wednesday that he has been throwing from 90 feet three times per week, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.
Bieber added that he is encouraged by the progress he's made since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April, though he also said "there's a long way to go." The 29-year-old agreed to a one-year deal Friday to remain in Cleveland for 2025, and his rehab is expected to extend a few months into the regular season.
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Guardians' Michael Kennedy: Shipped to Cleveland
Rotowire
The Pirates traded Kennedy, along with Luis Ortiz and Josh Hartle, to the Guardians on Tuesday in exchange for Spencer Horwitz, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
Kennedy spent time in Single-A and High-A ball in 2024, posting a 3.53 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 79 innings between the two levels. The 20-year-old southpaw has been largely successful at every level he's played in so far in his career, and he could receive a promotion to Double-A in 2025 if he continues at his current pace.
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Guardians' Luis Ortiz: Dealt to Guardians
Rotowire
The Pirates traded Ortiz, along with Josh Hartle and Michael Kennedy, to the Guardians on Tuesday in exchange for Spencer Horwitz, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
Ortiz took a massive leap in 2024, posting a 3.32 ERA and 1.11 WHIP alongside a 107:42 K:BB in 135.2 innings. The Pirates used him as both a starter and reliever last year, though Shane Bieber's (elbow) injury and a general lack of starter depth could prompt Cleveland to keep Ortiz in its rotation full time.
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Guardians' Josh Hartle: Traded to Cleveland
Rotowire
The Pirates traded Hartle, Luis Ortiz and Michael Kennedy to the Guardians on Tuesday in exchange for Spencer Horwitz, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
After being selected 83rd overall in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, Hartle appeared in just one game at Single-A Bradenton, allowing three earned runs in 1.2 frames while striking out two batters and walking one. He shouldn't be expected to reach the majors anytime soon, though his above-average command could help him start his ascent through Cleveland's farm system.
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Guardians' Nick Mitchell: Sent to Cleveland
Rotowire
The Blue Jays traded Mitchell and Spencer Horwitz to the Guardians on Tuesday in exchange for Andres Gimenez and Nick Sandlin, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.
Mitchell spent all of his time with the Jays' Single-A affiliate in 2024, where he slashed .284/.343/.453 with four homers and 13 RBI alongside four stolen bases in 23 games. The 21-year-old outfielder will presumably remain in Single-A upon joining his new organization.
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Guardians' Spencer Horwitz: Traded to Guardians
Rotowire
The Blue Jays traded Horwitz and Nick Mitchell to the Guardians on Tuesday in exchange for Andres Gimenez and Nick Sandlin, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.
In 97 games with the Blue Jays last year, Horwitz slashed .265/.357/.433 while mashing 12 homers and driving in 40 RBI. With second base now open in Cleveland following Gimenez's move to Toronto, Horwitz's clearest path to playing time is likely at the keystone, though he could also be used at first base and DH over the course of the season.
Bieber (elbow) agreed to a one-year, $14 million contract with the Guardians on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
Bieber's new deal also includes a $16 million player option for 2026. The 29-year-old righty was dominant in two starts last season, pitching 12 shutout innings while striking out 20 batters and walking one against the A's and Mariners, but his campaign was cut short by Tommy John surgery in mid-April. He's expected to miss the first couple months of the 2025 season while he finishes up his rehab, but the 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner could be a strong fantasy asset once he returns.
The Guardians signed Valera (knee) to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training.
Valera will remain in Cleveland after being non-tendered by the Guardians on Friday. The 24-year-old outfielder underwent surgery on his right knee in September to repair a ruptured patellar tendon, and he is unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season. Valera will likely be assigned to Triple-A Columbus when he is fully healthy.
Guardians' Ben Lively: Inks new deal with Guardians
Rotowire
Lively signed a one-year, $2.25 million deal with the Guardians to avoid arbitration Friday, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Lively was an effective member of the Guardians' rotation in 2024, maintaining a 3.81 ERA with a 118:49 K:BB across 151 innings. He battled some inconsistency due to his contact-heavy approach, but he is a strong candidate to begin the season in the rotation.
Guardians' Sam Hentges: Avoids arbitration with Cleveland
Rotowire
Hentges (shoulder) agreed to a one-year, $1.337 million contract with the Guardians on Friday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.
Hentges is set to miss the entire 2025 campaign after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder in September. His new contract will ensure he remains with the Guardians organization for the duration of his rehab process, and the 28-year-old will look to return for the start of 2026.
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Guardians' Triston McKenzie: Avoids arbitration
Rotowire
McKenzie agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.95 million contract with the Guardians on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.
McKenzie spent the first half of 2024 with the Guardians, posting a 5.11 ERA and 1.56 WHIP across 75.2 innings (16 starts). He continued to struggle to the tune of a 5.23 ERA after being demoted to Triple-A Columbus in June. Despite his poor performance, the 27-year-old righty will receive a $350,000 raise in 2025, but he should remain off fantasy managers' radar until he's able to regain command over his pitches.
