MLB execs 'baffled' by Shane Bieber's $16 million Blue Jays decision

The Toronto Blue Jays fell short of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. After the loss, the Blue Jays had a few key decisions to make over the winter.

While Bo Bichette is a huge decision, the Blue Jays' decision with Shane Bieber didn't have to be made. Bieber decided to exercise his $16 million player option to stick with the Blue Jays.

As Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports, this decision from Bieber has "baffled" MLB executives around the league. It's a greatly beneficial decision for the Blue Jays, one that no one expected to be made.

Shane Bieber's $16 million decision baffles MLB execs

"Across the industry," Rosenthal writes, "executives remain baffled by right-hander Shane Bieber's decision to exercise his $16 million player option with the Blue Jays, calling it one of the most bizarre in recent memory."

The reason why this decision from Bieber has MLB executives so stunned is that Bieber, a veteran starting pitcher, could've made a good deal more money if he had hit the open market.

Even if he wanted to return to the Blue Jays in free agency, he could've gotten a few extra million dollars through contract negotiations.

Instead, he exercised his $16 million player option, gifting the Blue Jays his services for another year at a very discounted price.

More: Blue Jays lock in Shane Bieber as rotation anchor for 2026

The Blue Jays starter was acquired at the MLB deadline and made 11 starts for Toronto, pitching to a 3.57 ERA in the regular season and 3.85 ERA in the playoffs.

It was a good trade, even if it ended in just half a season of work. But now, the Blue Jays are getting an extra season out of Bieber, and on a relatively cheap deal at that.

Toronto got some quality pitching out of the veteran right-hander. With a chance to earn some big money in the winter, Bieber passed, as he exercised his contract option.

Bieber's decision is a surprising one that has stunned MLB executives. Whether it's due to injury concerns or a passion for the Blue Jays, Bieber is staying in Toronto for another year on a great deal for the Blue Jays.

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