Bringing back Shane Bieber should be a top priority for the Cleveland Guardians

Entering 2024, there was plenty of speculation about what the Cleveland Guardians were going to do with Shane Bieber. Arguments could be made for the Guardians to follow the familiar path of trading an impending free agent, while others supported letting the season play out and figuring out what to do at season's end. Well, all of that went out the window after two starts, as Bieber would require Tommy John surgery and would be lost for the rest of the season. This puts the Guardians in a tough spot, should they try and re-sign Bieber or let him walk in free agency? The answer to that question is obvious. Bring back Bieber.

If there was one area that the Cleveland Guardians needed help this past season in, it was the starting rotation. Between the injury to Bieber, the underperformances of Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, the Guardians were essentially driving a car with three spare tires. It is clear that addressing this area is an absolute must, and finding a way to retain the services of one of their own (Bieber) would be a great way to accomplish that.

Of course, there are concerns with Bieber that must be considered. Prior to his abbreviated 2024 season, Bieber had experienced notable drops in velocity and strikeout rate, but he still managed to be a very effective pitcher. Sure, he was not at the level of his 2020 self, but expecting that year in and year out is not realistic. Then there is the nature of his injury that ended his season. Pitchers coming off of Tommy John are somewhat of a wild card when it comes to effectiveness. Some experience no issues at all and pick up where they left off, and others are not able to get back to pitching to their previous level. That unknown factor may be enough to scare off a normally risk-averse organization like the Cleveland Guardians.

The one thing that Bieber must acknowledge for himself is that his market may not be what it could have been had he not suffered a season-ending injury. This could be the one and only avenue for the Guardians to keep Bieber in Cleveland, as they could offer him a one-year deal with player options attached to give him some security in the event he struggles in 2025 or goes down with another injury. Other organizations may not be willing to go beyond a one-year deal, and Cleveland opting to provide him some stability beyond next season could be what ultimately results in Bieber returning.

There is reportedly some level of mutual interest between Bieber and the Guardians, pointing toward a solid starting point to ensure he stays in town. With already having some type of head start, this should give the Guardians a good chance to accomplish something that should be one of their top priorities this offseason.