Shane Bieber makes comeback with the Cleveland Guardians after injury nightmare

In December 2024, Shane Bieber rejoined the Cleveland Guardians after recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent due to elbow issues that limited his appearances in the 2024 season. The two-time American League All-Star entered a one-year contract worth $10 million, which includes a player option for a second year valued at $16 million. This deal guarantees Bieber a total of $14 million, reflecting both the risk the Guardians are taking on his return and Bieber's control over his future contract terms. Bieber, who previously made only two starts in the 2024 season before his surgery, is expected to return to form and be a key contributor in the Guardians' rotation for the 2025 season. After a successful start to his 2024 campaign, where he showcased impressive strikeout ability, his elbow pain led to the surgery, thus ending his season prematurely. Cleveland's management hopes that Bieber's health will stabilize the starting pitching rotation, which has faced several uncertainties with other pitchers also experiencing issues. The Guardians, who had a strong performance in the AL Central with a division title despite Bieber's absence, have demonstrated commitment to bolstering their pitching staff. This decision to bring back Bieber is particularly significant given the challenges the team faced last season. The organization is banking on Bieber's elite level of play, which dominated the league prior to his injury. They are optimistic that a full recovery could potentially return him to his past All-Star form. As of now, the Guardians are looking to fill the rotation with the likes of Tanner Bibee, Ben Lively, and others while Bieber's health remains a pivotal factor. Should Bieber recover well enough to pitch at least half of the 2025 season, it could provide a substantial lift to the Cleveland team as they aim to remain competitive in the AL Central. The situation encapsulates the ongoing delicate balance teams must maintain between employing skilled players and the inherent risks of injuries.