Shane Bieber has taken the surprising step of exercising his $16 million option to stay with the Blue Jays, skipping a $4 million buyout. This move guarantees him an extra $12 million for another season in Toronto.
By sticking with the Blue Jays, Bieber has removed one of the better starting pitchers from the free-agent pool. Last offseason, he was recovering from Tommy John surgery when he hit the open market for the first time. The Guardians, the only team he’d known, signed him to a two-year deal with an opt-out after the first season. During a minor league rehab stint, Cleveland, believing their playoff hopes were over, traded him to the Blue Jays for pitching prospect Khal Stephen.
This trade was intriguing for Toronto, as they gave up a promising prospect for a player who hadn’t pitched in over a year. Thankfully for them, Bieber returned strong, becoming a solid third starter during the 2023 season. In seven regular-season starts, he posted a 3.57 ERA with a striking out rate of 23.3%. His fastball was clocked at an impressive 92.6 MPH, his best speed since 2021.
In five postseason appearances, Bieber pitched well, allowing nine runs (eight earned) and striking out 18 batters. He faced some tough moments, including giving up a crucial home run in Game 7 of the World Series, but he made a significant impact overall.
Experts suggest this decision could mean Bieber is looking for a longer-term contract with the Blue Jays. Turning 31 in May, while he may not regain his former Cy Young-winning glory, he still offers value as a mid-rotation starter.
Interestingly, his $12 million option is below market value compared to other starters who signed big contracts last year. For context, players like Walker Buehler and Justin Verlander pulled in significantly higher figures. Still, Bieber is betting on himself and hoping to guide the Blue Jays to a championship in 2026 after their near miss last season.
The Blue Jays are now navigating their starting rotation with Bieber’s decision. They were facing the potential losses of Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt while also wanting to retain star player Bo Bichette, who may command a contract over $200 million. By locking in a below-market salary, Bieber not only strengthens their pitching lineup but also grants the team more flexibility in negotiations with Bichette and potential upgrades to the bullpen.
This strategic choice highlights how players like Bieber can influence team dynamics and future decision-making in the world of baseball.
For more insights on baseball contracts and player movements, you can refer to MLB Trade Rumors.
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