MLB Insider: Reds trade candidate open to long-term extension with acquiring team

The Cincinnati Reds have already been linked to starting pitcher Shane Bieber. The former Cy Young Award-winner is currently being shopped by the Cleveland Guardians.

But an interesting nugget from the New York Post's Jon Heyman gives a newfound reason that could see these latest Reds rumors gain even more steam. According to Heyman, Bieber is open to a long-term contract extension with the team that would be trading for his services.

This is akin to how the Reds handled their 2019 deal with Sonny Gray after he was traded from the New York Yankees. These revelations add another layer to the Shane Bieber trade rumors.

Reds rumors: Shane Bieber open to long-term extension with acquiring team

These latest Reds rumors are a game-changer in terms of how Nick Krall could approach trade negotiations with the Cleveland Guardians. The Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations could secure his ace, not just for the 2024 season, but for the next several years as well.

There is, of course, risk that comes with signing any pitcher to a long-term contract. Injuries are part of the game, and Bieber missed significant time last season with elbow inflammation. That can oftentimes be a red flag.

However, the Reds' other rumored trade target this offseason, Tyler Glasnow, also has a history of injuries. The right-hander missed over a year following Tommy John surgery and was out to begin his 2023 campaign after suffering an oblique injury.

With all that being said, it's not often teams get the opportunity to trade for a Cy Young Award-winning pitcher, much less have the opportunity to sign him to an extension before he reaches free agency.

Shane Bieber went 6-6 last season with a 3.80 ERA over 128 innings of work. Bieber also has a history of going deep into games, and twice during his career has surpassed 200 inning pitched.

With so little money committed to the 2024 season and beyond, don't be shocked if these developments cause the Cincinnati Reds to double their efforts in an attempt to not only trade for Bieber, but to sign him to an extension.