The right-handed ace Shane Bieber has signed a deal to remain with the Cleveland Guardians, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports the deal is for one year and $14 million with a $16 million player option for the 2026 season. Bieber only appeared in two games in the 2024 season. His campaign was cut very short due to Tommy John surgery. On April 12, 2024, Dr. Keith performed the surgery and Bieber has been recovering ever since. He is expected to return mid-season in 2025, and will continue to rehab the elbow in the meantime.
The two-time All-Star was highly sought after this offseason. He is looking to pick up where he left off after making MLB history in his first two starts of 2024. Bieber was the only pitcher since 1901 to record at least 20 strikeouts, no runs allowed, and one or fewer walks. He will be looking to return to his dominant form.
Right-hander Shane Bieber and the Cleveland Guardians are in agreement on a one-year, $14 million contract that includes a $16 million player option for 2026, sources tell ESPN. Bieber underwent Tommy John surgery in April and is expected to return in the middle of 2025.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 6, 2024
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Shane Bieber Re-Signs with Guardians
It will be exciting to see how Bieber pitches after recovering from elbow surgery. The 29-year-old has a career 3.22 ERA with a 62-32 record and 958 strikeouts. Bieber is known for having consistent release points on his pitches. His go-to pitches are his fastball and curve but he also turns to his slider and changeup. Bieber is able to display exceptional control and command in his delivery. In addition, the UC Santa Barbara alumni has demonstrated how he can pitch aggressively and with a competitive edge while showcasing his durability as a starting pitcher.
Bieber has also won several accolades for his prized pitching. These include an American League Cy Young Award (2020), Triple Crown (2020), Gold Glove (2022), and All-Star Game MVP (2019). In 2022, Bieber had a 2.88 ERA and a 13–8 record in 200 innings. He also won his first AL Wild Card game against the Tampa Bay Rays that season. In 2023, Bieber recorded a career-high 11 straight quality outings with an 8–2 record and a stellar ERA of 1.75. All eyes will be on Bieber when he returns from recovery from Tommy John.
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