Why on Earth did Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Shane Bieber accept his $16 million player option for the 2026 season? After a good showing in 2025, Bieber likely would have demanded north of $16 million in AAV on a new deal had he opted out, in addition to $4 million in buyout cash. Rather than secure himself $20 million plus (estimate) on the market, not to mention a multi-year deal, Bieber decided to take $16 million to remain with the Jays for one more season, guaranteeing himself zero dollars beyond that. Shane Bieber has opted into his contract with the #BlueJays, one year @ 16 million, source tells @Ken_Rosenthal and I.Seemed to have a chance to opt out after a strong stretch run/playoffs with Jays. Instead, he runs it back.@JonHeyman was first on it.— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) November 5, 2025 It was a decision from Bieber that analyst are trying to understand, but in almost all cases failing to. The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal discussed the perplexity of Bieber’s opt-in on a new episode of Foul Territory this week. “I was surprised,” Rosenthal said. “People with the Blue Jays were surprised. People in the industry were surprised, and you just don’t see this kind of decision very often.” “He could have declined the option, taken a $4 million dollar buyout … and then in free agency, I would think three/$50 (million) … something like that … maybe even more. But for whatever reason, he wants to be in Toronto one more year.” Story continues below advertisement “Now, maybe the rehab is part of this,” Rosenthal continued. Maybe he feels that they treated (him) really well. He’s comfortable with their medical staff. He’s still only 18 months removed from Tommy John surgery.” “My initial thought also was, well, okay, perhaps an extension is coming,” Rosenthal said. “But my understanding is that there is no extension as part of this. It really hasn’t even been discussed. It has not been a motivator for him in making this decision. … I don’t exactly know what Shane Bieber was thinking.” Story continues below advertisement