How the Cleveland Guardians would handle Shane Bieber’s impending free agency has been attracting a lot of attention for some time. Cleveland isn’t necessarily known for extending a player’s contract once they hit a certain projected salary threshold, and typically looks to trade that player to replenish their minor league system. Unfortunately, injuries in two consecutive seasons have thrown their usual routine into disarray. Now the Guardians are faced with the decision of how to handle Bieber’s free agency.
Deciding what the Guardians will do with Bieber won’t be easy, and it’s no surprise that Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter mentions this in his article “Looking Ahead to Every MLB Team’s Biggest Offseason Decision.” Reuter further notes that Bieber’s injuries over the past two years could lead to something very few saw coming. Bieber staying in Cleveland beyond 2024.
“Before his injury, Bieber was a candidate for a transfer and would almost certainly leave as a free agent given the Guardians’ generally tight budget. However, the injury could actually increase his chances of returning.”
– Joel Reuter
That’s not necessarily anything groundbreaking and has been a topic of conversation since the announcement that Bieber would undergo Tommy John surgery, but that doesn’t make it any less true. After a year with a midseason injury that also included a down year across the board, with just two starts and Tommy John, the free agent market isn’t exactly going to be robust. While Bieber’s two appearances in 2024 were very impressive, it’s a fact that other teams will be hesitant to sign any kind of long-term, high-profile contract. That plays right into Cleveland’s hands.
While Reuter suggests a two-year backloaded deal for Bieber, a one-year deal with a player option for a second year seems more likely. This option gives Bieber the ability to decline it and hit the free agent market again after 2025 if all goes well, while also providing some protection in the event of an injury or if his performance leaves something to be desired. This type of arrangement would work for both parties and should be sought by both sides.
When it comes to the Guardians’ offseason priorities, bringing Bieber back should be at the top of the list, if not at the top. Cleveland’s pitching staff has faced a lot of adversity this season, and if there’s one thing to learn from this, it’s that they can never have enough pitchers. The Guardians have sent so many pitchers to the field this season due to injury or poor performance, and if they can find a way to potentially reduce that number next season, they should. Keeping a player who is familiar with the organization and doing right by him is something management wants to accomplish.
