"One of the winter's earliest surprises was Shane Bieber's decision to pick up a $16MM player option for the 2026 season rather than take a $4MM buyout and return to free agency. That choice was viewed as a head-scratcher around the league at the time, as the former Cy Young winner's track record and the 3.66 ERA he posted in 59 innings between the regular season and playoffs with Toronto was likely enough to justify a solid multi-year deal."
"Towards the end of the 2025 campaign, Bannon reports that Bieber was dealing with forearm fatigue. Bieber has since begun rehab work, and Bannon notes that Ross Atkins told reporters that the right-hander is "in a strong position." While the Jays are currently taking things week-to-week with Bieber's recovery process, Atkins noted that Bieber being ready to pitch on Opening Day remains "a very realistic outcome" though he stopped short of definitively saying Bieber would be part of the Opening Day roster."
"By sticking with Toronto this winter, Bieber gives himself the opportunity to rehab with the Blue Jays rather continuing his rehab as a free agent, and can now look to enter free agency next winter with what he's surely hoping will be a full season of starts under his belt in 2026 to allay any concerns about the health of his arm going forward."
Shane Bieber picked up his $16MM player option for 2026 instead of taking a $4MM buyout and entering free agency. Bieber experienced forearm fatigue late in the 2025 campaign and has begun rehab work with the Blue Jays. Ross Atkins said Bieber is "in a strong position" and characterized Opening Day readiness as "a very realistic outcome," while the club continues a week-to-week evaluation. Exercising the option lets Bieber rehab within the organization, avoid immediate free-agent uncertainty while recovering, and potentially enter next winter's market with a full, healthy 2026 season to improve contract prospects.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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