Blue Jays Talk Shane Bieber Opts In for 2026
7 snips
Nov 5, 2025 Shi Davidi, a veteran baseball reporter for Sportsnet.ca, joins to discuss Shane Bieber's surprising decision to exercise his $16-million option for 2026. They delve into why this move benefits Bieber's market position as he hopes to redefine his career after Tommy John surgery. The conversation also highlights the strong culture within the Blue Jays’ clubhouse and how it may have influenced his choice. Finally, they assess the rotation outlook and the need for strategic offseason improvements.
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Use Options To Preserve Negotiation Leverage
- Consider that opting into an option can be used to buy time for a longer, smoother negotiation later.
- Teams and players may prefer controlled certainty over an unpredictable open market when timelines are tight.
Bieber Chose Certainty Over A Crowded Market
- Shane Bieber opting into his $16M 2026 option suggests he preferred security and familiarity over testing the open market right now.
- The move could signal a strategic "prove-it" year or a precursor to a larger, smoother extension later.
Post‑Surgery Performance Boosted His Value
- Bieber delivered several high-leverage starts after Tommy John, including a strong World Series outing that shifted series dynamics.
- The Blue Jays expect an improved Bieber in 2026 as recovery hurdles should be lessened.