Just one day after WEEI’s Rob Bradford predicted that the Red Sox “might be eyeing” the Jays starter Shane Bieber, Jon Heyman broke all the trade talk predictions with his post. “Shane Bieber has opted in with the Blue Jays for $16M. Wants to continue in Toronto for another year with the Jays.” Shane Bieber followed his gut and passed on a $4 million buyout.

Meanwhile, Steve Philies has pointed out another reason behind Shane Bieber’s decision to stay with the team. “For Bieber, maybe some unfinished business with giving up that home run is wanting to be part of turning around.” Bieber made an error in Game 7 of the World Series, giving up a go-ahead home run to Will Smith in the 11th inning of the Blue Jays’ 5-4 loss against the Dodgers. That might sting!

“But I got to tell you, this is a big bonus for Toronto. I mean, this is huge for them. In starting their offseason plan to not have to replace Bieber,” Philies added. Even after the mistake, his perfect deliveries from time to time in 2025 might be too costly for the Jays to give up on.

After being acquired from the Guardians, he was 4-2 and posted a 3.57 earned-run average with the Jays. He posted a 2-1 record in the postseason with a 3.86 ERA. The star also earned a Game 4 road win against the Dodgers in the World Series. And now, the Jays are optimistic that Bieber will deliver an elite performance in the next season, too.

With Bieber’s future sealed with the Jays, Philies have asked the team to make a quick call on their $5M star, Eric Lauer. “If I’m them, I go get Lauer back as well. I think he’s a very effective, serviceable guy that’s going to be in a reasonably priced area. I bring him back in, too, if he’s willing.”

Jose Alfonso Taboada from the Jays journal also echoed the same sentiment.

He posted, “With Bieber’s opting in, the starting rotation maintains most of its strength that helped take Toronto to the World Series. As of now, the most likely candidates for the starting rotation would be Trey Yesavage, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, and Jose Berrios. The fifth spot remains up in the air and could be filled with names like Eric Lauer….”

The Jays selected Lauer’s contract from Triple-A Buffalo at the end of April 2025. Eric Lauer signed a one-year, $5.3 million deal with an option for 2026. So, if the Jays do not give him a deal, then he will become a free agent. But sealing him in would be the best fit for Toronto. 

Lauer had multiple iconic games in 2025, most notably his elite 4.2 scoreless innings in Game 3 of the marathon 18-inning World Series. In that game, he escaped a bases-loaded jam. After Game 3, Lauer was even praised by the team.

“He’s got some balls on him…..Lauer’s a dawg out there. We have a lot of dawgs on that field. Lauer’s one of them. He came up clutch for sure,” shared Davis Schneider.

“He’s great…. He’s been awesome all year. I’m happy for him because he’s been through it. And anything we’ve asked of him, he’s done it. It’s not surprising one bit,” added Ernie Clement after the six-hour, 39-minute game ended.

Now, with multiple contracts hanging in the air, Toronto abruptly finds itself juggling not just pitching priorities but also the uncertain future of one of its biggest offensive stars.

Blue Jays eye José Ramírez as Bo Bichette’s exit looms

As the free agent market heats up, all signs point towards Bo Bichette entering the market for a lucrative shortstop contract, one that the Jays may not be eager to match. Plus, there are doubts around Bo Bichette’s defensive abilities and long-term positional fit. So, the Blue Jays could look elsewhere for stability and star power.

According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, Bichette’s departure from the clubhouse is “likely” possible, which fuels the market speculations that the Jays could eye the third baseman of the Cleveland Guardians, José Ramírez.

Rymer structured a proposal that would send Ramírez, a 7-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger, to Toronto in exchange for prospects like JoJo Parker, Arjun Nimmala, and rising star Addison Barger. The Jays reportedly attempted a similar deal back in 2022 for Ramírez. But now, the timing might be right.

Adding Ramírez, an AL MVP finalist who has received MVP votes in eight of his 13 seasons and finished third in the race twice, could give Vladimir Guerrero Jr. the superstar partner that the Blue Jays need to keep their championship window alive.

If the Jays pull off this move, it could mark the start of a new power duo in Toronto. With Guerrero and Ramírez leading the charge, the franchise’s path back to the World Series might be closer than it seems.