Shane Bieber Opts In for $16 Million with Blue Jays, Reflects on Post-Surgery Return

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber has exercised his $16 million player option for the 2026 season, foregoing free agency. The 30-year-old right-hander, a 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner, earned $14 million this season. Acquired from Cleveland at the July 31 trade deadline, Bieber returned on August 22 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. He went 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA in seven starts, contributing to Toronto's first AL East title since 2015, but allowed the walk-off home run in Game 7 of the World Series.