How should the Cleveland Guardians handle Shane Bieber's impending free agency?

How the Cleveland Guardians were going to approach the impending free agency of Shane Bieber has been getting plenty of attention for quite some time. Cleveland is not necessarily known for extending a player once they reach a certain projected salary threshold and usually look to trade that player to restock their minor league system. Unfortunately, injuries in back-to-back seasons have derailed their usual operating procedure. Now, the Guardians are faced with making a decision regarding how to handle Bieber's free agency.

Deciding what the Guardians are going to do with Beiber is not going to be easy, and it is no surprise to see Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter include it in his Looking Ahead to Every MLB Team's Biggest Offseason Decision. Reuter goes on to note that Bieber's injuries from the last two years could result in something very few saw coming. Bieber remaining in Cleveland beyond 2024.

Prior to the injury, Bieber was a candidate to be traded and almost certain to walk in free agency as the Guardians generally stick to a tight budget, but the injury could actually increase his chances of returning.

This is not necessarily anything groundbreaking and has been a talking point of sorts since it was announced that Bieber was having Tommy John surgery, but that does not make it any less accurate. Following up a year with a midseason injury that also featured a down year across the board with one that had just two starts and Tommy John is not going to result in a robust market in free agency. Even though Bieber's two appearances in 2024 were very impressive, the fact of the matter is that other teams will be hesitant to sign up for any type of long-term, big-money deal. This plays right into Cleveland's hands.

While Reuter does suggest a two-year backloaded deal for Bieber, it seems more likely that a one-year deal with a player option for a second is more likely. That option gives Bieber the chance to decline it and hit the free agent market again after 2025 if things go well while also providing some protection in the event of an injury or his performance leaves something to be desired. This type of arrangement would work out for both parties and should be one the two sides look to make.

When it comes to offseason priorities for the Guardians, bringing Bieber back should be near, if not at the top of the list. Cleveland's pitching staff has faced plenty of adversity this season, and if there is one thing to take away here, it is that they can never have enough pitching. The Guardians have trotted out so many arms this season due to injuries or poor performance, and if they can find a way to possibly lessen that number next season, they should do it. Retaining a player that is familiar with the organization and doing right by him is something the front office strives to accomplish.