Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber will return to the team in 2026 after exercising his player option.
The right-hander announced Wednesday he will remain with the Blue Jays, opting for a US$16-million contract for the 2026 season rather than entering free agency. Bieber joined Toronto via trade from the Cleveland Guardians last summer.
Bieber, 30, was 4-2 with a 3.57 earned-run average in 11 appearances for the Blue Jays. He posted a 2-1 record and 3.86 ERA in the postseason, including a Game 4 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series and a relief appearance in game 7.
As his major-league debut with Cleveland in 2018,Bieber has a 66-34 record and a 3.24 ERA. He won the American League Cy Young Award in 2020, going 8-1 with a 1.63 ERA for the Guardians.
Bieber’s return strengthens a Blue Jays starting rotation expected to include Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and Jose Berrios, with the status of free agents Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt uncertain.
Toronto finished the 2025 season with a 94-68 record, winning the American League East Division title. The team advanced through the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees and the AL Championship Series against the Seattle mariners before losing to the dodgers in the World Series.
The Blue Jays begin their 2026 season on March 26 against the visiting Oakland Athletics. Spring training is scheduled to begin in mid-February.
