Shane Bieber explains heartfelt reason he stuck with Toronto Blue Jays

Baseball fans across the world were shocked to see Shane Bieber exercise his player option to remain a part of the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2026 season.

After missing almost the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery, Bieber was acquired by the Blue Jays at last year's trade deadline. He wound up pitching 40.1 innings regular season innings for the Jays, posting a 3.57 ERA.

Bieber also made four playoff starts, where he had a 3.86 ERA through 18.2 innings. The numbers didn't blow anyone away, but they were more than good enough to ensure he'd sign a lucrative contract in the offseason. At least, that's what everybody thought.

Despite almost certainly having the option to land a multi-year deal elsewhere, Bieber opted in with the Blue Jays for $16 million. The reason? He loved being a part of the Jays' clubhouse. 

"Ultimately, last year was the most fun I've ever had," Bieber said to Foul Territory. "It didn't end the way we wanted it to, but the togetherness of that locker room, the bonds that we were able to forge within that locker room, and honestly the whole organization from top to bottom."

After the season had wrapped up, Bieber said that he took some time to discuss his future with his family, and came to the conclusion that staying in Toronto was the right decision to make. Getting so close to a World Series didn't hurt, either.

"Obviously it helped getting so close last year and having a little bit of a sour taste in our mouth at the end of the year," Bieber said. "Hopefully we're able to go back and make it one step further this year."

As we learned in February, Bieber won't be ready for the start of the 2026 season due to right forearm fatigue, a common sympton for pitchers following Tommy John surgery. Rest assured, however, it doesn't sound as though the 30-year-old will be out for long.

"I was advised to take some time off, slow play the build up, which is where I'm at right now," Bieber explained. "I'm feeling great and getting after it in long toss, hopefully touching the mound here soon. It kind of all just made sense."

"Last year was the most fun I've ever had. The bonds that we were able to forge within that locker room."

Shane Bieber explains why he exercised his player option to remain in Toronto. pic.twitter.com/Fl0vd7TFzU

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 18, 2026

Bieber is just one of several starting options for the Blue Jays this season. Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, Max Scherzer, and Eric Lauer are all returning, while management also added a pair of arms in free agency in Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce.

Once Bieber, as well as Yesavage and Berrios get healthy, the Blue Jays will boast one of the best rotations in all of baseball.