"While re-signing both could be possible, extending Gausman should be the preferred choice if it ends up being one or the other situation. Very few starting pitchers in the game are as consistent as Gausman. He's made at least 31 starts each of the past five seasons with an ERA of 3.83 or better. All signs point to him putting up strong numbers again after showing no signs of slowing down in 2025."
"Bieber is much less of a certainty. The Blue Jays recently announced that he will start the season on the injured list with forearm fatigue that he first experienced during the postseason. This development comes on the heels of an extended recovery from Tommy John surgery that cost him almost all of 2024 and most of last year as well."
The Blue Jays face a post-2026 free agency choice with both Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber reaching contract expiration. Re-signing both may be possible, but extending Gausman should be prioritized if only one can be retained. Gausman has delivered consistent workloads—at least 31 starts in each of the past five seasons with an ERA at or below 3.83—and showed no signs of decline in 2025. Bieber begins the season on the injured list with forearm fatigue following a long Tommy John recovery that cost much of 2024 and most of last year. Performance metrics favor Gausman, while Bieber’s recent health and peripheral numbers create uncertainty about long-term value.
Read at BlueJaysNation
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]