The Houston Astros have a need for an established starting pitcher this offseason, and they've already lost out on a clear target to replace Framber Valdez. With free agency opening on Thursday, former American League Cy Young award winner Shane Bieber made the surprising decision to exercise his $16MM option for 2026. Instead of hitting the free-agent market, Bieber will now be returning to the Toronto Blue Jays.
It's certainly possible that Bieber, entering what will be his first full season since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024, doesn't believe he will have a healthy market, and that was the incentive for his sudden return to Toronto.