Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Shane Bieber is coming off the biggest start of his career, one that will undoubtedly have an impact on the next stage of his baseball life.
The 30-year-old took the mound in Game 4 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and pitched 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball, surrendering just four hits and one earned run, although he did walk a season-high three batters.
It was the first Fall Classic start for Bieber and helped the Jays even the best-of-seven series at two games apiece heading into Wednesday’s pivotal Game 5 matchup. It was almost certainly his last start of the series, and with a pending $16 million player option for next season expected to be declined, it gave the front office one more close look at a player they could make a long-term investment in.
John Schneider and the rest of the team’s brain trust have considered Bieber’s potential free agency in giving him an extra day’s rest ahead of Tuesday night’s start, knowing how important the right-hander has been to the Blue Jays’ stretch drive and playoff run. That consideration could go a long way to securing the ace’s services over the next several years.
Bieber’s fit with the organization and pitching staff is obvious. His return to being one of the most reliable arms in the sport has been seamless, and he’s already become a favourite in the dugout and among the fanbase. Over seven regular-season starts, the 2022 Cy Young Award winner went 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA, with 37 strikeouts and a 1.01 WHIP across 40 1/3 innings. Through four postseason starts, Bieber is 2-0 with an identical 3.57 ERA and 18 K’s in 17 2/3 frames.
“Yeah it was awesome. Very grateful for the opportunity to start for the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series.”
Shane Bieber on pitching in the World Series for the first time in his career. pic.twitter.com/53GUaHDFLT
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 29, 2025
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Not only is his place on the Blue Jays’ pitching staff so natural, but the team could really use him in their rotation moving forward. Kevin Gausman is entering the final year of his five-year deal signed before the 2022 season.
Chris Bassitt is set to hit free agency, Max Scherzer could retire, and the team’s relationship with José Berríos, not to mention his confidence, needs to be repaired after the veteran was demoted to the bullpen, then left off the playoff rosters. A trade may be explored with him if the bridge can’t be mended.
The franchise appears to have hit the jackpot with the draft selection and development of Trey Yesavage, who has been a revelation in the last two weeks of the regular season and throughout the playoffs. He’s come in like a house on fire, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he’ll enjoy sustained success. Solidifying the rotation with Bieber makes too much sense.
If he declines the player option, obviously, the choice will be Bieber’s, who seems to have enjoyed his time in Toronto. If he signs with another team, pending free agents Dylan Cease, Ranger Suárez, and Zac Gallen are potential replacements.
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