Jays Bet on Bieber + Deadline Day Moves Across MLB

Ben and Brent open Friday's show reacting to the Toronto Blue Jays adding Shane Bieber, Louis Varland and Ty France before yesterday’s MLB Trade Deadline came to pass. They weigh the potential upside and risks that comes with acquiring Bieber, the 2020 Cy Young winner, from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for pitching prospect Khal Stephen. Then, they move onto Ross Atkins’ deal with the Minnesota Twins which saw reliever Louis Varland and first basemen Ty France head to Toronto, while sending back Alan Roden and Kendrys Rojas. The duo discusses what Varland brings to the bullpen, the importance of having him under control through 2030, and whether France’s track record makes him an enticing depth bat addition. Afterwards, B&B turn their attention to other moves made across MLB. They begin in the AL East, where the New York Yankees beefed up their bullpen with David Bednar and Camilo Doval, meanwhile the Boston Red Sox came up short in their pursuit of Twins ace Joe Ryan, one of few names that weren’t sold off by Minnesota. They conclude the hour touching on the San Diego Padres and General Manager A.J. Preller, who loaded up his roster with five deals involving 22 players. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.