The Cleveland Guardians’ decision to trade pitcher Shane Bieber to the Toronto Blue Jays was bittersweet.
On the one hand, the Guardians landed a stellar prospect in Khal Stephen, so that certainly made it a little less painful.
Also, it was hard to believe Bieber would be back in Cleveland next season anyway, as he was able to opt out of his contract.
Yet, he has made the surprising decision to stay with the Blue Jays rather than become a free agent.
“Wow, bit of a surprise. Was thinking Bieber would try to really cash in on the open market looking for a long-term deal with $20M a season or higher average annual salary,” Guardians Prospective wrote on X.
Wow, bit of a surprise. Was thinking Bieber would try to really cash in on the open market looking for a long-term deal with $20MM a season or higher average annual salary. https://t.co/IrbKZgpy3d
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) November 5, 2025
Granted, the Blue Jays just made the World Series, and they should remain among the contenders in the American League in 2026.
Nevertheless, given Bieber’s reputation and talent, it was easy to envision any team, maybe including the Guardians, spending to obtain him.
That’s not to say that he would have opted to stay with Cleveland.
If anything, chances are that he let the Guardians know he was going to opt out and test the market after the season, regardless of how things went.
A Cy Young Award winner, Bieber was a class act and a strong contributor for Cleveland, and fans should have nothing but respect for him.
Yet, this decision will certainly sting and leave some fans disheartened.
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