In a recent piece from Jeff Passan of ESPN, Passan predicted the Guardians and Chicago Cubs would swing a deal involving a player who'd be an exciting trade target. That player is former Cy Young starter Shane Bieber.

Cleveland Guardians executive Chris Antonetti has delivered a significant update on the team's stance heading into the MLB trade deadline.

Emmanuel Clase will be sidelined for at least a month, along with Luis Ortiz. Does that change how the Guardians approach the MLB trade deadline?

Any legitimate chance the Guardians had at contending this season walked out the door with Clase. Shane Bieber and Steven Kwan could follow.

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand recently chose his top trade asset for each team, and named Cleveland’s best piece as Steven Kwan. “Kwan is under club control for two more years, so while the Guardians don’t have to move him, he may be their best asset to bring back a solid package of young talent,” wrote Feinsand.

Anxiety over a potential trade could be affecting the Guardians' first baseman, who manager Stephen Vogt believes is pressing at the plate.

The Cleveland Guardians' plans for a postseason push were dealt a major blow with the revelation that closer Emmanuel Clase will be sidelined until at least August 31 due to a gambling investigation.

This eliminated any chance of Cleveland potentially buying at the trade deadline and increased the likelihood of trading Kwan, according to Ken Rosenthal. The Guardians however do intend to set a high bar for the return package in a trade for Kwan given the market and his club control.

Emmanuel Clase's team-friendly contract made him Cleveland's most valuable trade chip, but MLB's investigation has left the front office scrambling with limited options.