They say spring training is the best possible time to reach extension agreements.
That way, teams have the entire offseason to improve the roster and then, when it’s finished or close to it, they can focus on extending their own talent.
The Cleveland Guardians are no strangers to this approach and actually love to strike extensions in February and March.
They have done it again, and this time, they are keeping around a key cog of the rotation for years to come: Tanner Bibee.
“News: The Guardians have agreed to a five-year contract extension with Tanner Bibee through 2029 that includes a club option for 2030,” Guardians insider Tim Stebbins posted on X.
News: The Guardians have agreed to a five-year contract extension with Tanner Bibee through 2029 that includes a club option for 2030.
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) March 22, 2025
The Athletic’s Zack Meisel posted the specifics of the agreement.
“Tanner Bibee contract details, per source: $2M signing bonus, $3M in 2025, $4M in 2026, $7M in 2027, $10M in 2028, $21M in 2029. $21M club option for 2030 or a $1M buyout,” he wrote on X.
Tanner Bibee contract details, per source:
$2M signing bonus
$3M in 2025, $4M in 2026, $7M in 2027, $10M in 2028, $21M in 2029
$21M club option for 2030 or a $1M buyout https://t.co/lZnPwWIIFq— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) March 22, 2025
Yes, it’s an extremely team-friendly deal for a pitcher of Bibee’s caliber and youth (he is just 26.)
However, it’s important to point out that Bibee was far from becoming a free agent.
The deal essentially buys out a year of pre-arbitration eligibility, the three arbitration campaigns, and one free agency season (2029,) adding a team option in 2030.
It’s a fantastic agreement for both parties: the Guardians keep his arbitration and a year of free agency somewhat controlled, and the pitcher is financially set for life.
Bibee, who posted a 3.47 ERA last year with 187 strikeouts, will be the Guardians’ Opening Day starter.
We are guessing he’ll be highly motivated for that particular start.
NEXT: Carlos Baerga Has High Hopes For Guardians Offseason Acquisition
