Blue Jays Already Offseason Winners With Shane Bieber's Shocking Option Choice
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The Toronto Blue Jays fell just short of winning the World Series this year. They lost an epic seven-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, proving they have what it takes to compete with the best teams in baseball.
Heading into the offseason, they will be looking to make some upgrades to ensure they remain in the upper echelon of the sport. The Blue Jays will likely be doing battle with the Dodgers again this winter, bidding on free agents.
One player both teams have been connected to already is All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker. Both could also use some help on the mound, with help for the backend of the bullpen being another area they could look for an upgrade.
It will be interesting to see how things unfold in the coming weeks, but Toronto should already be viewed as a winner this offseason because of the decision that starting pitcher Shane Bieber made with his player option.
Shane Bieber's option decision was major win for Blue Jays
Worth $16 million, he decided to exercise his option and return to the Blue Jays for 2026. Essentially, it is a one-year, $12 million deal that he agreed to because the option included a $4 million buyout had he decided to decline it.
For multiple reasons, this was a huge win for Toronto. For starters, they get a frontline starter for essentially the price that long-in-the-tooth starting pitchers or lower-tier free agents have been receiving recently.
Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and Alex Cobb all signed one-year deals worth $15 million or $15.5 million ahead of the 2025 season. Matthew Boyd signed a two-year, $29 million pact and Jack Flaherty settled for a two-year, $35 million deal.
Had Bieber opted out of his contract, he was expected to eclipse $20 million annually. Wide-ranging projections were shared, but a three-year, $63 million contract seemed like a likely offer for him to receive.
That is a price the Blue Jays almost certainly would have paid to retain him as well. He performed at a high level coming back from Tommy John surgery this season and was stellar in the postseason as well.
Shane Bieber has filled one major void for Blue Jays this offseason
Bringing back a potential staff ace for that price is a huge victory for the franchise. It is one less hole on the roster to fill as well. With Scherzer and Chris Bassitt already free agents, watching Bieber enter the open market would have created an even bigger void to fill.
His decision also lessens their need to go shopping near the top of the starting pitching market, enabling them to focus efforts elsewhere on the roster.
Tucker would be a massive addition to this lineup. Or maybe they can poach Edwin Diaz away from the New York Mets to become their new closer and bullpen anchor.
The Blue Jays are already big winners, having Bieber come back at that price. Now, they need to capitalize on the surprising decision and make some other splashes this offseason to cement their status as top dog in the American League.
