Free-agent right-handed beginning pitcher Shane Bieber has returned to the Cleveland Guardians, according to ESPN. It is a one-year deal value $10 million in 2025 with a $16 million participant choice for 2026. The choice comes with a $4 million buyout, so it is a $14 million assure. The crew has not but confirmed the signing.
Bieber solely managed two begins with the Guardians final season earlier than needing Tommy John surgical procedure and his rehab from the process will influence his 2025 season. He had the surgical procedure on April 8 final season, so it is doable he’ll want as much as 14 months earlier than getting again to the major-league mound. It’s a scenario value monitoring in spring coaching, however, barring setbacks, he must be 100% by the point the second half of the season comes round.
Cleveland’s rotation behind ace Tanner Bibee is a bit unsettled in the mean time. Matthew Boyd, who pitched properly for Cleveland after becoming a member of the crew at midseason, lately signed with the Chicago Cubs. Trade deadline addition Alex Cobb stays a free agent. The membership’s rotation depth chart at present seems one thing like this:
- RHP Tanner Bibee
RHP Shane Bieber(out till midseason with Tommy John surgical procedure)- RHP Gavin Williams
- RHP Ben Lively
- RHP Triston McKenzie
- LHP Joey Cantillo
- LHP Logan Allen
It wouldn’t be a shock if the Guardians introduced in one other veteran starter simply to supply innings in the back of the rotation. Given their small payrolls, Cleveland will not be in play for Corbin Burnes or Max Fried, so determine a lower-end starter on a one-year deal, in the event that they add one other pitcher.
Bieber, 29, had simply concerning the worst timing doable together with his damage. He completed fourth in Cy Young voting in 2019, gained the Cy Young in 2020 and completed seventh in voting in 2022. In 2023, nevertheless, he missed time with elbow irritation after which final yr was his final season earlier than hitting free company.
In 2023, Bieber was 6-6 with a 3.80 ERA (112 ERA+), 1.23 WHIP and 107 strikeouts in 128 innings. Last yr, he appeared poised for a monster bounce again, although, going 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 20 strikeouts towards only one stroll in his 12 innings.
There’s nonetheless ace upside in Bieber, as soon as he is absolutely practical, we simply cannot be certain it’s going to occur in 2025. It’s a threat value taking, although.
