Right-hander Shane Bieber has opted into his $16 million player option to remain with the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2026 season. The 30-year-old pitcher, acquired at the trade deadline from the Cleveland Guardians, provides stability to a rotation facing several uncertainties. This decision comes shortly after the Blue Jays' World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Toronto Blue Jays received a boost to their offseason plans when Shane Bieber exercised his $16 million player option on Wednesday, ensuring his return for 2026. Bieber, who would have received a $4 million buyout if he declined, chose to stay rather than test free agency at age 30. Acquired from the Cleveland Guardians on July 31 while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, Bieber made seven regular-season starts for Toronto, posting a 3.57 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings.
In the postseason, Bieber appeared in five games during the Blue Jays' run to the American League pennant, recording a 3.86 ERA over 18 2/3 innings. One notable moment came in Game 7 of the World Series, where he relieved and allowed Will Smith's game-winning solo home run in the 11th inning—his first relief outing since 2019. Earlier, Bieber showed promise in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners, recovering from an early mistake to dominate.
Bieber praised the team's culture after the World Series loss: “A lot of intangibles. Some things that are difficult to describe,” he said. “The grit. The perseverance. The togetherness. They’re pulling for one another. It’s not just one guy, that’s the whole clubhouse.”
The Blue Jays finished the 2025 regular season at 94-68, earning the AL's No. 1 seed before losing to the Dodgers in seven games. With veterans Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer— who combined for 48 starts—now free agents, Bieber's return fills a key rotation spot. The projected 2026 depth chart includes Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Bieber, José Berríos (recovering from an elbow injury that sidelined him for the postseason), Eric Lauer, Bowden Francis (out after June 14 due to shoulder issues), and Easton Lucas.
Toronto still faces decisions on re-signing shortstop Bo Bichette and bolstering the bullpen, while addressing potential gaps if Berríos' injury lingers. Bieber's affordable, one-year commitment allows the team flexibility to pursue long-term pitching options, especially with both Gausman and Bieber set for free agency after 2026.