The AL champion Toronto Blue Jays find themselves with a slightly shorter list of offseason tasks. Right-handed pitcher Shane Bieber will activate his $16 million player option and remain with the squad for the 2026 season, according to reports from the New York Post. Had Bieber turned down the player option, he would have been entitled to a $4 million buyout, making the decision worth $12 million.
Securing Bieber’s return via the player option is a notably positive development for Toronto. The salary is manageable, the commitment is for a limited duration, and there’s a reasonable expectation that he’ll become more effective as he distances himself further from elbow reconstruction. The Blue Jays don’t require Bieber to perform as an ace or even a No. 2 starter. He possesses the capabilities to be a quality No. 3, and potentially even more.
Our R.J. Anderson evaluated Bieber and placed him as the 13th-highest ranked free agent this offseason. With his decision, he is no longer available. Here’s what was written about him:
Bieber made his return from Tommy John surgery towards the end of the season, exhibiting commendable command over a serviceable array of pitches. His fastball showed an increase in velocity compared to previous years since 2021, and his slider occasionally displayed above-average potential. However, the most intriguing aspect was the introduction of a newly developed kick-changeup, which performed better in theory than in practice. Bieber should achieve success as long as he maintains his location, but he projects as more of a mid-rotation starter rather than a top-tier option.
Bieber, aged 30, became a member of Toronto through a trade with the Cleveland Guardians at the deadline. At the time, he was in the process of recovering from Tommy John surgery. Bieber made seven starts for the Blue Jays during the regular season, achieving a 3.57 ERA with 37 strikeouts across 40 ⅓ innings. During Toronto’s journey to the American League pennant, he maintained a 3.86 ERA over 18 ⅔ innings in the postseasons.
During the decisive Game 7 of the World Series, Bieber was brought in from the bullpen and conceded the game-winning solo home run to Will Smith in the 11th inning. It marked his first appearance as a relief pitcher since 2019.
Experienced right-handers Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer, who collectively made 48 starts in 2025, are entering free agency this offseason. Bieber’s choice to exercise his player option alleviates concerns about one less rotation spot for the Blue Jays. With the offseason still unfolding, Toronto’s projected rotation depth chart for 2026 currently consists of:
- RHP Kevin Gausman
- RHP Trey Yesavage
- RHP Shane Bieber
- RHP José Berríos (was sidelined during the postseason due to an elbow injury)
- LHP Eric Lauer
- RHP Bowden Francis (did not pitch after June 14 because of a shoulder injury)
- LHP Easton Lucas
The Blue Jays have yet to provide updates regarding Berríos, who consistently started at least 30 games each year from 2022-25, ever since he was removed from the postseason roster in September. Regardless of whether his injury affects his availability in the upcoming year, it would be prudent for Toronto to pursue a starting pitcher during the winter. The acquisition of another starter becomes crucial if Berríos is unable to start the 2026 season.
Besides reinforcing the rotation, the Blue Jays will need to either re-sign or find a replacement for shortstop Bo Bichette, who is considered our third-best free agent. Strengthening the bullpen is expected to be another priority. Toronto ended the season with a 94-68 record, earning them the No. 1 seed in the AL. They were defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in a seven-game World Series.
