MLB Insider Reveals Details of Shane Bieber's New Contract

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Dec 6, 2024 7:03 PM ET

The Cleveland Guardians' pursuit of another deep postseason run will benefit from their decision to re-sign starting pitcher Shane Bieber to a one-year contract for $14 million, per MLB insider Jeff Passan.

The deal includes a 2026 player option for $16 million with a $4 million buyout. Bieber isn't expected to play for most of the 2025 season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

With Matthew Boyd signing a two-year deal with the Chicago Cubs, the Guardians' projected starting rotation was looking very thin. Tanner Bibee and Ben Lively had solid campaigns, but unfortunately, the same can't be said for Gavin Williams and Treston McKenzie.

Bieber enjoyed a hot start to the 2024 MLB season with back-to-back wins and 20 strikeouts over 12 innings pitched before being shut down for TJ surgery. The 2020 Cy Young winner bolsters a Guardians rotation that endured a lot of growing pains last season.

Shane Bieber's deal with the Guardians will pay him a $10 million salary in 2025. The $16 million player option includes a $4 million buyout. If Bieber returns healthy, he will hit free agency again next winter as a 30-year-old and be in line for a significant long-term contract.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 6, 2024

The Guardians would be best served by bringing in another free-agent starting pitcher. Cleveland has also been linked to trade rumors for 1B Josh Naylor and OF Lane Thomas, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Given the spending habits of Guardians, they'll have to be creative in navigating their expenditures. How far are they willing to chase a World Series title in this current window or do they believe that window closed after last year's missed approach?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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