The Toronto Blue Jays got some excellent personnel news on Tuesday night, as it was reported that starting pitcher Shane Bieber surprisingly opted-in to his one-year contract worth $16 million for the 2026 season. 

The prevailing thought was that Bieber would opt-out and seek a hefty multi-year deal, either with Toronto or with someone else.

With Bieber back in the fold, the Jays have (seemingly) four rotation spots set heading into next year as they chase the World Series once again.

Kevin Gausman

The right-hander is heading into the final year of his contract and is set to make $23 million. Though he went just 10-11 in 2025, he pitched to a solid 3.59 ERA, striking out 189 batters in 193.0 innings. He's a 13-year veteran of the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants and Jays. He's gone 48-41 in four seasons with Toronto.

Trey Yesavage

A postseason hero in 2025, Yesavage appears ready to take a permanent rotation spot next season. The No. 20 pick in the 2024 draft out of East Carolina, Yesavage shot through the system this year, playing at each level before making an impact on the Jays in October. He made three starts in September and then went 3-1 in the playoffs with a 3.58 ERA. He won games in each of the ALDS, ALCS and World Series.

Bieber

Set to turn 31 in May, Bieber made seven starts for Toronto in the regular season after recovering from Tommy John surgery. He went 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA and then appeared healthy in the playoffs, winning a game in both the ALCS and the World Series.

Unfortunately, he allowed a home run in the 11th inning of Game 7, which helped fuel the Dodgers victory in that World Series.

Jose Berrios

Under contract through 2028, Berrios is more of a question mark for Toronto. He was placed on the injured list at the end of the regular season with right elbow inflammation and didn't pitch at all in the postseason. He went 9-5 in 31 appearances with a 4.17 ERA this past season, striking out 138 batters in 166.0 innings.

Given his hefty price tag of $19 million, he figures to have a rotation spot set, though there's always the chance he could be moved to the bullpen if Toronto finds other ways to upgrade the rotation.

Other possible rotation candidates

Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt are both free agents and could be retained, while Bowden Francis pitched very well in 2024 before a dreadful 2025. Former top prospect Ricky Tiedemann could also be a factor as he returns from his own Tommy John surgery.

MLB.com indicated this week that Tiedemann was throwing off a mound late in the season.

Latest Blue Jays injuries & transactions This page will be updated throughout the offseason with all the latest Blue Jays injury news and transactions. Players on the 60-day injured list will have to be added back onto the 40-man roster after the World Series.

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