Fri Dec 06 22:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Guardians Ace Bieber Returns to Cleveland on One-Year, $10 Million Deal
**Cleveland, OH –** Former Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber is returning to the Cleveland Guardians. The team announced a one-year, $10 million contract for the 2025 season, with a $16 million player option for 2026 (and a $4 million buyout). This reunion, surprising just a year ago, comes after Bieber underwent Tommy John surgery in April, prematurely ending his 2024 season.
Bieber’s strong start to the season, before his injury, highlighted his potential and solidified his value. The deal provides both sides with significant benefits. The Guardians acquire a top-tier starter for the latter half of the 2025 season, while Bieber gains a secure path to recovery and a familiar environment to rebuild his career within the team’s established pitching development program. The player option provides Bieber with additional financial security should his recovery take longer than anticipated.
However, the Guardians’ starting rotation still requires strengthening. While Bieber’s return is a significant boost, his availability won’t be until mid-season. The team will need to bolster its pitching staff for the first half of 2025 to contend. While young pitchers like Tanner Bibee show promise, the overall depth of the rotation remains a question mark. The front office is expected to continue seeking additional pitching reinforcements in the coming months.
First Piper 