Latest Shane Bieber injury update clarifies why Blue Jays got a bargain

Shane Bieber is expected to be ready for Opening Day, but he may not be 100 percent when that day comes around. That's the latest from Sportsnet reporter Ben Nicholson-Smith who was able to speak to Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins at the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida.

"As of right now, he's in a strong position,” Atkins said. “And I suppose as he starts to ramp up, we could consider some stagger and the potential of him, you know, not being at 100 per cent at the very start, but we're taking it kind of a week at a time at this point with Shane"

Latest Shane Bieber injury update clarifies why Blue Jays got a bargain

It makes a lot more sense now as to why Bieber decided to take the option in his contract for $16 million to play for the Blue Jays in 2026. The former Cy Young award winner was expected to be one of the top pitchers available on the free agent market this offseason, but effectively removed himself from the equation.

Bieber pitched to a 3.57 ERA in seven games during the regular season as he came off Tommy John surgery. It was a big gamble for the Blue Jays to begin with to go and trade for a player that hadn't yet pitched in the big leagues after such a big surgery. But Bieber pitched rather effectively after the Blue Jays acquired him at the trade deadline from the Cleveland Guardians, and helped them reach the World Series.

But after pitching 40 innings in the regular season and another 18 in the playoffs, with many of those coming in high leverage situations, it's not unreasonable to think that Bieber may have to deal with some setbacks. “So we'll be cognizant,” Atkins said. “And make sure that we are doing everything we can to keep put him in the most safe position possible...I think that is a very realistic outcome (that Bieber is ready for Opening Day). But all of the things that I said (apply) kind of taking it week-to-week.”

It also makes sense as to why the Blue Jays have been aggressive this offseason, particularly in adding to their pitching staff. Dylan Cease was always going to be one of their priorities and they made him an offer he couldn't refuse. But getting Cody Ponce, and bringing him over from the Korean Baseball Organization to add to that depth, is a move that could pay huge dividends in 2026 should Bieber not be able to take the ball every fifth day.