When the Toronto Blue Jays made the trade for Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians at the summer trade deadline last year, the initial reaction from many was surprise. A pitcher who had just returned from Tommy John, who hadn’t pitched an inning in the 2025 season, was being placed on a team aiming for the World Series—it wasn’t a safe move.
But it worked.
Bieber quickly became a vital part of Toronto’s rotation in the latter part of the season. Seven starts, four wins, a 3.57 ERA on over 40 innings, and, notably, a 37/7 strikeout-walk ratio—these numbers were enough to show that, when healthy, Bieber knew how to control the game. He was even more trusted in the postseason, making five starts on their way to the World Series.
After the season, Bieber’s decision also spoke volumes. He activated his $16 million player option to stay with Toronto. A choice that demonstrated trust—from both sides. But heading into Spring Training 2026, that optimism comes with a new layer of caution.
According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, Bieber enters the offseason with forearm fatigue. Not an immediate red flag—especially for a pitcher who has just undergone a lengthy recovery from Tommy John—but enough to draw all eyes to the first bullpen sessions at Dunedin.
And that’s the key point this spring.
Toronto doesn’t lack pitching. After signing Dylan Cease, their rotation looks like a dream roster: Cease, Kevin Gausman, José BerrÃos, Shane Bieber, and other rotation options. That “excess” allows coach John Schneider flexibility—and, if necessary, caution.
But Bieber remains key. Not just because of his talent, but because of his role. A healthy Bieber transforms Toronto’s rotation from “very good” to “frightening.” A Bieber needing load management will force the team to recalculate their early season rhythm.
Matheson has stated clearly what fans need to watch out for: if Bieber throws the bullpen on schedule, breathe a sigh of relief. If there are any delays—however small—things will become interesting in a different way. No panic, but it can’t be ignored either.
It’s noteworthy that Toronto seems prepared for both scenarios. The loss of Bo Bichette in the winter has shifted the team’s focus to pitching. The Blue Jays don’t need Bieber to carry the entire staff in March or April. They need him in September—and beyond.
That’s why a “big” Spring Training for Bieber doesn’t necessarily have to be flashy. No record velocity. No highlights. Just a steady rhythm, responsive body, and an undisturbed schedule. For a pitcher who has won Cy Young, normalcy is sometimes the best sign.
Toronto has built a rotation to withstand risk. But the biggest risk remains Shane Bieber—not because he’s weak, but because he’s important. And in the early weeks of Spring Training, each quiet bullpen session will speak louder than any depth chart.
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