The Cleveland Guardians’ biggest reinforcement and offseason acquisition was already in-house.
Shane Bieber’s imminent return will be a massive boost for Stephen Vogt’s team.
He’s still a ways away from getting back out there, but he’s taking big strides in the right direction.
Following his first throwing session since he sustained a season-ending injury, he was optimistic and positive about his return:
“It felt great. It felt natural. It felt like riding a bike,” Bieber said.
Despite having more lucrative options somewhere else, the 2020 AL Cy Young winner still chose to stay pat with the Guardians.
The 29-year-old fully trusts the team’s training staff and pitching staff, and he didn’t want to relocate in the midst of his recovery process.
All things considered, the Guardians may have gotten him at a bargain price if he returns to his pre-injury form, as he signed for just one year and $10 million with a $16 million player option for the 2026 MLB season.
It’s’ never easy to come back from Tommy John surgery, and some players never return to their pre-injury form.
Even so, reports state that Bieber’s velocity was in the 87-89 mph range in his first throwing session since the injury.
The team will have to wait for a little longer before their ace is able to get back on the mound, but after reaching the ALCS last season despite his injury, there are more than enough reasons to be optimistic about the new-look Guardians this season.
NEXT: Paul Sewald Reveals 1 Question He Asked Guardians Before Signing
