Shane Bieber would have been in line for a sizable, multi-year contract if it wasn’t for the fact he underwent Tommy John surgery in April and won’t be ready to return until around mid-season next year.
If he hadn’t blown up his arm, we would have been talking about the possibility of him getting a nine-figures deal.
Instead, he took a one-year, $10 million deal from the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night, with a $16 million player option for 2026 and a $4 million buyout in case he decides to test the market after 2025.
We have said that it’s a rather convenient deal for both sides.
Yes, it would have been better for the Guards if he stayed for two years, but if Bieber winds up walking after 2025, it probably means he is healthy and had a dominant showing upon returning.
Bieber gets a chance to re-establish his value in familiar surroundings.
The player, according to reports, generated plenty of interest around the league but sacrificed some dollars to return to Cleveland.
“Per sources, Bieber had bigger offers from other clubs, but chose to remain in Cleveland, where he’s pitched his entire career,” MLB insider Mark Feinsand posted on X.
Per sources, Bieber had bigger offers from other clubs, but chose to remain in Cleveland, where he’s pitched his entire career.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 6, 2024
The Boston Red Sox were said to be a top suitor for Bieber.
They have admired him for years.
It wasn’t meant to be, though, as Bieber is returning to the place in which he has put a career 3.22 ERA and where he won the AL Cy Young award in 2020.
Maybe the Guardians are unable to retain Bieber after 2025.
That makes next season a key one for the franchise.
NEXT: MLB Insider Reveals Terms Of Shane Bieber's Deal
