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By Aaliyan Mohammed
Contributing Sports Writer
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When the Toronto Blue Jays acquired Shane Bieber at MLB the trade deadline, he hadn't pitched since April of last season.
Bieber was recovering from Tommy John surgery and finally made his season debut on Aug. 22, pitching six innings with just two hits and one run allowed. The former Cy Young Award winner looked like an ace again.
He signed a two-year, $26 million deal with the Cleveland Guardians before the season, but his deal includes a $16 million player option for next season.
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If Bieber is healthy and dominant, the Blue Jays would have a better chance at making a World Series run. However, MLB insider Mark Feinsand thinks it could also lead to Bieber opting out.
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"The 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner signed a two-year, $26 million deal to stay in Cleveland last offseason while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, but if he can prove he's healthy and back to his old form over the final month-plus of the season, he could take the $4 million buyout and test free agency without the drag of a qualifying offer attached to him," wrote Feinsand.
Feinsand also noted that struggles or another injury could lead to Bieber staying with the Blue Jays, but the team would much rather him dominate down the stretch as they chase a World Series.
Bieber is a two-time All-Star who can carry the Blue Jays' rotation through October. At his peak, he was the best pitcher in baseball, and if he can be that for the Blue Jays, they should be able to make noise in the postseason.
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