The Toronto Blue Jays are currently vying for their first World Series title since 1993, but like every other MLB organization, they will have decisions to make about current players.
One of those players is pitcher Shane Bieber, whom the Blue Jays acquired from the Cleveland Guardians via a trade back in July, and is set to become a free agent. Bieber has been a critical piece to the Blue Jays' run to this World Series, and may be increasing his value per start he makes.
Shane Bieber's contract value outlook
According to The Athletic's Jim Bowden, Shane Bieber is a top free agent, and Bowden predicts him to be awarded a three-year, $75 million deal:
"He’ll probably have to accept another shorter-term deal with an opt-out clause that allows him to get back into free agency next offseason, when he might really be able to cash in if his stuff fully returns. Perhaps a three-year deal worth $75 million with an opt-out after Year 1 would make sense here."
Bieber will likely have a vast market this offseason. Although it's a small sample size, he posted a 3.57 ERA in 40.1 innings, while striking out 37.
The 30-year-old starter comes with a handful of accolades. He's a two-time All-Star and won the CY Young in 2020. Before being with Toronto, Bieber had spent his entire career with Cleveland. His free agency will be a good litmus test of where the starting pitcher market is in terms of AAV and total value.
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