Starting pitcher Shane Bieber has decided to stay with the Toronto Blue Jays for the upcoming season rather than testing the free-agent market. The team confirmed on Wednesday that he has chosen to exercise his player option for the 2026 season, amounting to $16 million US.
Bieber, aged 30, showcased a solid performance with a 4-2 record and a 3.57 earned-run average for Toronto after being traded from the Cleveland Guardians during the previous summer. His decision to return bolsters the team’s starting rotation, which is expected to feature top pitchers like Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, and potentially Eric Lauer. The future of free agents Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt with the team remains uncertain.
During the postseason, Bieber achieved a 2-1 record with a 3.86 ERA. Notably, he secured a crucial victory in Game 4 against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series and also contributed in Game 7. However, his performance was marred by giving up a pivotal home run to Will Smith in the 11th inning of a 5-4 loss to the Dodgers at Rogers Centre.
Since his debut in the major leagues with Cleveland in 2018, Bieber has amassed a 66-34 record and a 3.24 ERA. His standout performance in the shortened 2020 season earned him the American League Cy Young Award after recording an impressive 8-1 record with a 1.63 ERA for the Guardians.
Bieber made a strong return to Toronto on August 22, allowing only two hits over six innings in his first major league start following Tommy John surgery in April 2024. His decision to stay with the Blue Jays for the upcoming season came as a bit of a surprise, considering he had the potential to secure a lucrative long-term contract in free agency. By opting to remain with the Blue Jays, Bieber aims to enhance his value further with a team poised for another competitive season.
Having clinched the AL East Division title with 94 wins in the previous season, Toronto advanced through the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees and the AL Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners before falling to the Dodgers.
The Blue Jays are gearing up for the 2026 season, with spring training set to commence in mid-February. They will kick off their season on March 26 against the Oakland Athletics at home.