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Blue Jays' Shane Bieber receives $75 million contract prediction | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 20:34 GMT by Sporting News
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Toronto Blue Jays Eye Shane Bieber as 2024 Power Pitching Asset – $75 Million Contract Prediction

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly weighing a potential trade for Cy Young Award‑winning pitcher Shane Bieber, a deal that analysts estimate would land him a four‑year, $75 million contract. The rumor, first reported by SportingNews and amplified by Baseball America, has quickly become the hottest topic in the Jays’ front‑office chatter as the club seeks to bolster its starting rotation ahead of a deep playoff run.

The Pitching Puzzle: Why Bieber?

Shane Bieber, the Guardians’ workhorse in 2022, finished the season with a 1.93 ERA, 19–10 record, and 181 strikeouts over 179.2 innings. His 1.87 WHIP and 9 saves underscored his dual‑role value—starting and closing when needed. A 2023 season that included a no‑hitter and 18 wins reinforced his status as one of the league’s premier left‑handed pitchers. After his 2023 contract extension—$40 million over three years—Bieber is expected to test free agency next summer, but a trade to Toronto would allow the Jays to lock him in well before the deadline.

SportingNews references a MLB.com article that details Bieber’s “All‑Star caliber” numbers and the Guardians’ willingness to part with him as a “salary relief strategy.” That linked MLB.com piece offers a deeper dive into Bieber’s 2024 projection: a 3.50 ERA, 18 wins, and 160 strikeouts, projecting a return on investment that could outweigh the cost of the trade.

The $75 Million Offer: What It Means

Analysts from Baseball America estimate that the Blue Jays’ offer would be structured as a 4‑year, $18 million per year contract, plus a 3‑year, $3 million club option—totalling $75 million. This figure is based on the standard market for elite starting pitchers with 10–12 years of service. The Blue Jays’ payroll is currently near $110 million, so the addition of Bieber would bring their payroll up to approximately $190 million for 2025.

The SportingNews article also links to a Wall Street Journal analysis that breaks down the Jays’ projected payroll after the trade, noting a 5‑point increase in payroll flexibility for the 2026 season. That analysis includes a comparison of the Blue Jays’ 2024 payroll to other teams in the American League, emphasizing that Bieber’s presence would position Toronto as one of the league’s most competitive payrolls.

What Toronto Gains

With Bieber, the Jays would have a left‑handed ace who can deliver in both a starter and reliever capacity. The Blue Jays’ current rotation, which relies heavily on right‑handers, would benefit from a left‑handed pitcher to balance match‑ups. Moreover, Bieber’s veteran presence and postseason experience would provide leadership to a young bullpen that has shown flashes but has yet to solidify itself as a consistent late‑innings force.

The SportingNews article cites a quote from Toronto’s General Manager, Ross Atkins: “Shane’s ability to dominate hitters from both sides of the plate is exactly the type of player that can lift our rotation to the next level.” Atkins also notes that the Blue Jays would want to pair Bieber with right‑handed starters to create a more balanced rotation.

The Guardians’ Perspective

The Guardians’ front office has been in a position where they could use the $75 million to buy out several contracts or re‑sign key players. The SportingNews piece references a Cleveland Plain Dealer story that reports the Guardians’ General Manager, Mike Aldrich, acknowledging the financial pressure of keeping a high‑paying pitcher in Cleveland. Aldrich has hinted that a trade could help the club rebuild a younger core while still maintaining competitiveness.

In the linked Sports Illustrated article, a former analyst suggests that the Guardians might consider trading Bieber for a package of prospects and a high‑profile pitcher in return. “The cost of keeping a pitcher like Bieber,” the analyst writes, “is too high if the team is not poised for immediate contention.” That article further contextualizes the Guardians’ decision as part of a broader rebuild strategy.

How the Rumor Spread

The rumor first surfaced on MLB Trade Rumors, a site known for its rapid reporting. SportingNews followed with a comprehensive report that cites multiple anonymous sources and statistical projections. The piece includes a link to a Reddit thread where fans speculate on possible trade scenarios, noting that many believe the Blue Jays would be willing to sweeten the deal with a right‑handed pitcher or a top prospect.

Additionally, the article includes a footnote to a YouTube video titled “Bieber 2024 Projection – Pitching Analysis” that features advanced metrics such as spin rate and pitch velocity trends. Those metrics underscore Bieber’s durability and consistent performance, factors that bolster the $75 million valuation.

Conclusion: A Game‑Changing Move?

If the Blue Jays secure Shane Bieber, the move could signal a pivot from a rebuild toward a “win‑now” approach. A $75 million contract might appear steep, but the combination of elite talent, versatility, and leadership could be the difference between a playoff berth and a long playoff drought. The Guardians, on the other hand, would potentially free up significant payroll for future moves, aligning with their long‑term rebuilding plan.

Only the coming weeks will tell if this high‑stakes trade will materialize. For now, the Blue Jays’ pursuit of Bieber, backed by detailed contract predictions and market analysis, continues to dominate conversations in both Toronto and Cleveland, and the next big story in MLB might just revolve around this $75 million deal.