Shane Bieber is preparing to return to game action after beginning the season on the injured list with a forearm issue. His decision to opt into a 2026 player option is viewed as beneficial for Toronto despite the potential cost of foregoing free-agent earnings. Bieber’s return would complete a strong Toronto starting trio with Dylan Cease and Kevin Gausman. Cease has produced a 2.98 ERA with 84 strikeouts through his first 10 starts, while Gausman has posted a 3.45 ERA and a 1.4% walk rate. Trey Yesavage has also delivered a 1.07 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 25 1/3 innings. Bieber’s presence should help Toronto consistently reach at least six innings, easing pressure on a bullpen that has thrown 202 1/3 innings and has been only average in ERA while converting 10 of 20 saves.
"The veteran has been throwing sessions in preparation for ramping up to game action, starting the season on the IL with a forearm issue. Many were surprised that Bieber decided to opt into his player option for the 2026 season, worth $12 million, and potentially leaving some deserved free agent money on the table. After finding himself on the sidelines to begin the campaign, fans can see why Bieber opted to run it back with the Jays for one more season."
"His return would give Toronto one of the best starting trios in the majors, along with Dylan Cease and Kevin Gausman. Cease has been dominant in his first season in Toronto, going 3-2 with a 2.98 ERA and an AL-leading 84 strikeouts through his opening 10 starts. Gausman is 3-3 with a 3.45 ERA and a league-low 1.4% walk rate this season."
"That duo is also enhanced by Trey Yesavage, who has put up eye-popping numbers in his still-rookie campaign. The 2024 first-round pick is 2-1 with a minuscule 1.07 ERA, and 29 punchouts in 25 1/3 innings (five starts) in 2026. Adding Bieber to that trio would give Toronto another ace who should be consistently pitching at least six innings."
"This will save an overtaxed bullpen that has pitched the sixth-most innings (202 1/3) of any relief corps in the league. So far, the relievers have been league-average in ERA (4.05, 16th in MLB) but have converted just 10 of 20 save opportunities with a losing record of 11-14. Having Bieber back in the fold would allow Jays manager John Schneider to use his bullpen arms more strategically and put relievers in positions where they can be more successful instead of having to use multiple relievers to get through bullpen games."
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