"Bieber pitched to a 3.57 ERA in seven games during the regular season as he came off Tommy John surgery. It was a big gamble for the Blue Jays to begin with to go and trade for a player that hadn't yet pitched in the big leagues after such a big surgery. But Bieber pitched rather effectively after the Blue Jays acquired him at the trade deadline from the Cleveland Guardians, and helped them reach the World Series."
"It makes a lot more sense now as to why Bieber decided to take the option in his contract for $16 million to play for the Blue Jays in 2026. The former Cy Young award winner was expected to be one of the top pitchers available on the free agent market this offseason, but effectively removed himself from the equation."
Shane Bieber is expected to be ready for Opening Day but may not be at 100 percent as he ramps up. He is in a strong position; the team may stagger his ramp-up and monitor his workload week to week. Bieber took a $16 million option for 2026 after effectively removing himself from free agency. He posted a 3.57 ERA in seven regular-season games while coming off Tommy John surgery and pitched 40 regular-season and 18 playoff innings after being acquired at the trade deadline. The team will be cautious about potential setbacks.
Read at Jays Journal
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