Big news
The Guardians have announced they have extended starting pitcher Tanner Bibee through 2029 for $48 million and a club option for 2030.
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
For those who can’t read the above from Twitter, Zack Meisel of the Athletic reports that the deal includes a $2M signing bonus, a $3M salary in 2025, $4M in 2026, $7M in 2027, $10M in 2028, $21M in 2029 and an option for $21M in 2030 or a $1M buyout.
This buys out Bibee’s arbitration years and tack on one year of free agency, with an option for one additional year for the team to grab if they want.
I think this is a great deal for both sides. Securing up to six years of Bibee for $69 million is a great gamble and Bibee avoids the pitfalls of relying on his elbow/shoulder/arm to hold up for him to reach free agency at his age 30 season, which was the case prior to this deal.
I’m very surprised about this deal as I’d thought the Guardians went one year too long before trying for this deal and I had heard that the two sides weren’t real close. Bibee is an incredible talent and a great person, so I’m thrilled my young kids will likely get the chance to remember him playing for the Guardians. Hope he can anchor many playoff rotations for us!