Shane Bieber’s projected contract could tempt 3 Blue Jays rivals

The Toronto Blue Jays have several pending free agents heading into the MLB offseason, with Shane Bieber among the most notable. The 31-year-old right-hander is a former Cy Young Award winner and, when healthy, could be regarded as one of the top pitchers who can hit the market. He'll likely generate a lot of interest from prospective teams.

Again, that will depend on health, since Bieber had a bit of an up-and-down season in 2026. In 11 appearances, he posted a 5-2 record with a 4.37 ERA, the highest ERA of his career since his rookie season in 2018.

Yet, given his great resume and past success, there is no question that he is a bounce-back candidate for next season, whether he ends up re-signing with the Blue Jays or signing with another club in free agency. Spotrac is projecting that Bieber will land a one-year, $13.1 million contract for his next deal. That would be a nice prove-it deal for Bieber after his tough year and injury trouble in recent seasons.

If the Blue Jays don't want to pay that price to keep Bieber, these three teams could poach him from Toronto.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs stand out as a prime potential landing spot for Bieber if he does not stay in Toronto. It is no secret that the Cubs' starting rotation is in need of some serious help. This is especially so when noting that they have multiple pending free agent pitchers like Shota Imanaga, Aaron Civale, and former Blue Jays star Kevin Gausman.

It would not be shocking in the slightest if the Cubs are in the mix for Bieber this offseason. The Cubs' desperation for pitching help could make them open up the pocket books and offer a few extra million to land the former him.

Atlanta Braves

Like the Cubs, the Braves should be among the teams looking to strengthen their pitching rotation this offseason. Atlanta are projected to lose impending free agents Tyler Mahle and Martin Perez this offseason.

The Braves were eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series, though it's hard to blame the Braves' pitching staff considering they held the Dodgers to four runs or less in three of the four games. But there is room for improvement as Atlanta's starters posted the sixth best team ERA in the majors last season, but the 20th ranked FIP with a 4.25 mark.

Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles stole Chris Bassitt from the Blue Jays in free agency last year. Could Baltimore poach another Blue Jays free agent in Bieber this winter? The possibility should not be ruled out.

The Orioles need to improve their starting rotation if they hope to be a better team in 2027. Their 4.23 starters FIP ranked 18th and their 4.24 ERA ranked 17th. Due to this, it would not be too surprising if they were willing to take a gamble on Bieber in free agency. If he signed with the Orioles and regained his top form, he would be a major pickup for the front half of their rotation.

Blue Jays could still be in play for Shane Bieber this offseason

The Blue Jays themselves shouldn't be ruled out as a team that could look to sign Bieber this offseason. At the price tag of $13.1 million the would actually be saving about $3-million from what they paid him for those 11 starts in 2026.

While some may say it's time to move on considering the injury history, he also showed that there is still lots to like in a small stint last year. His final two starts before he hit ended his year on the Injured List in August were captivating. He threw 13 innings combined against the Yankees and the Rays while allowing just two runs (one earned) on seven hits while striking out 12 and walking one.

If the Blue Jays can sign that version of Bieber it would be a no brainer to sign him for $13 million.

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