The Toronto Blue Jays faced a heart-wrenching defeat in Game 7 of the World Series. Despite holding a 4-3 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, the reigning champions were unable to close out the game. The Dodgers mounted a late comeback, ultimately securing a 5-4 victory. Key moments included a clutch home run by Will Smith and a decisive double play that ended the Blue Jays’ rally. With this win, the Dodgers became back-to-back World Series champions.
Several starting pitchers from Toronto’s rotation took the mound in the winner-take-all game. Trey Yesavage made a late appearance, pitching 1 2/3 innings. While he allowed one home run and walked a batter, Yesavage earned a hold for his efforts. On the other hand, Shane Bieber struggled in his outing. Bieber was on the mound when Will Smith hit the game-winning home run for the Dodgers, a pivotal moment that shifted the series.
Looking ahead, there is speculation about Shane Bieber’s future with the Blue Jays. According to Spotrac, a leading website for tracking sports contracts, Bieber may test free agency after the 2025 season. Back in May, Spotrac published an analysis of the 2026 MLB free agent class, focusing on players with player options. Bieber was highlighted in the report.
“Bieber was positioned to cash in last offseason, but his short-term value tanked following Tommy John surgery in April,” Spotrac wrote. “He rejoined the Guardians on a discounted 2-year, $26 million contract with a player option that will surely get declined if Bieber can return for a healthy second half. Cleveland proved to be a lucrative rehab destination for Matt Boyd in 2024 and could provide the same for Bieber in 2025.”
Adding to the discussion, Jim Bowden of The Athletic believes Bieber’s time in Toronto may be coming to an end. Bowden suggests other teams are interested in adding Bieber to their rotations and that Bieber may pursue a deal offering more than his $16 million player option with the Blue Jays.
Bieber’s 2025 season stats support his value as a starting pitcher. He finished the regular season with 37 strikeouts over 40 1/3 innings in seven games. In the postseason, he started four games and recorded 18 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings.
### Other Potential Destinations for Shane Bieber
Jim Bowden predicts that Bieber will sign a more lucrative contract with a team other than Toronto. He projects a three-year, $75 million deal as a likely outcome, while also considering a two-year, $46 million deal or a three-year, $66.38 million contract as other possibilities.
Bowden lists six potential suitors for Bieber outside the Blue Jays:
– Boston Red Sox
– Atlanta Braves
– Baltimore Orioles
– New York Mets
– Houston Astros
– Cleveland Guardians
Explaining his reasoning, Bowden wrote, “Most pitchers coming back from Tommy John are much better a second year removed from the surgery. He’ll probably have to accept another shorter-term deal with an opt-out clause that allows him to get back into free agency next offseason.”
Regardless of where Bieber lands, he is expected to remain a key part of a starting rotation moving forward. His talent and work ethic make him a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their pitching staff in the coming years.
—
Stay tuned for further updates on Shane Bieber and the Toronto Blue Jays as the offseason progresses.
https://heavy.com/sports/mlb/toronto-blue-jays/shane-bieber-free-agency/