Brandon Woodruff and Shane Bieber: Key MLB Pitchers Shaping 2026 Free Agency and Blue Jays Outlook

Brandon Woodruff and Shane Bieber: From Top Pitchers to Key Decisions for MLB Future and Blue Jays Outlook

The journey of Brandon Woodruff and Shane Bieber since their 2020 performances reflects the challenges and dynamics faced by elite MLB pitchers impacted by injuries but still shaping their teams' futures. Shane Bieber's surprising decision to opt into a $16 million contract for 2026 alters the free agency landscape and might influence decisions for fellow injured but talented pitchers like Brandon Woodruff. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays focus on maintaining their competitive edge with a strong pitching staff and a lineup under scrutiny as they prepare for the 2026 season.

• Brandon Woodruff and Shane Bieber, once top starting pitchers, struggled with injuries but returned with solid 2025 performances.
• Bieber activated his $16 million player option for 2026, surprising many expecting him to enter free agency.
• Woodruff now likely to accept Milwaukee Brewers' $22 million qualifying offer due to Bieber's decision and his own injury concerns.
• Toronto Blue Jays' roster is strong in pitching for 2026 but facing uncertainty about the lineup, notably shortstop Bo Bichette's contract.
• Recent trades, including acquiring Shane Bieber and Louis Varland, significantly impacted the Blue Jays’ 2025 postseason success.

The rise, struggles, and current status of Woodruff and Bieber

Back in 2020, Brandon Woodruff and Shane Bieber were among the elite starting pitchers in Major League Baseball. Woodruff led the league in starts with 13 during the shortened pandemic season, showcasing his durability and command. Shane Bieber, meanwhile, was the standout, winning the American League Cy Young Award as the best pitcher that season.

Fast-forward to 2025, and both players find themselves navigating the consequences of injury setbacks. Woodruff missed the entirety of 2024 due to a significant shoulder injury, which hindered his ability to build momentum. Bieber underwent Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for a year and a half. Nevertheless, both pitchers returned in 2025 with commendable performances: Woodruff posted a 3.28 ERA over nearly 65 innings pitched, while Bieber, after joining the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline, recorded a 3.57 ERA in 40 innings.

Bieber's surprising contract decision and implications for Woodruff

Both pitchers faced impending free agency in 2026. Most experts anticipated Bieber would decline any contract option and enter free agency to negotiate a lucrative long-term deal. However, Bieber stunned the baseball community by exercising his $16 million player option for the 2026 season, committing to remain with the Blue Jays for another year.

This choice carries significant implications, particularly for Woodruff and the Milwaukee Brewers. Woodruff is currently weighing whether to accept the Brewers’ $22 million qualifying offer or test the free agent market. Given Bieber’s apparent valuation of his services at $16 million for one season despite his injury history, it is reasonable to predict Woodruff might find the qualifying offer attractive, especially as he has made just 23 starts since 2023 and missed the Brewers' playoff run due to a lat strain.

Declining the qualifying offer would mean any team signing Woodruff would forfeit early-round draft picks and potentially international signing bonus money, a deterrent that has suppressed free agent demand in recent years—for instance, Pete Alonso’s cold market last offseason. Thus, injury history combined with Bieber’s contract example may nudge Woodruff towards accepting the Brewers offer and returning to his familiar team.

Blue Jays’ pitching strength and roster outlook for 2026

With Bieber opting in for 2026, the Blue Jays have solidified a strong starting rotation including Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and the hopeful return of José Berrios, who aims to regain his pre-injury form. The bullpen remains relatively stable, losing only Seranthony Dominguez in free agency but gaining internal depth with players like Louis Varland, Braydon Fisher, and Jeff Hoffman stepping up during the 2025 postseason.

Lineup uncertainties and prospects

The primary offseason question for Toronto lies in its offensive lineup. Fans and management await clarity on the contract status of shortstop Bo Bichette, whose presence is pivotal for the team's competitive potential. Beyond Bichette, upgrades are desired in batting, with names like Kyle Tucker, Munetaka Murakami, and Pete Alonso mentioned as targets. However, even without significant additions, the current roster provides a promising base.

The Blue Jays possess a strong catching tandem with Alejandro Kirk, regarded as one of the best catchers defensively and offensively, and Tyler Heineman backing him up. The infield features young talents including Vladimir Guerrero Jr., fresh off a historic postseason run, with versatile players like Ernie Clement and Davis Schneider ready to fill roles at second base and other positions.

In the outfield, Addison Barger, despite an inconsistent first full season, has demonstrated power with 21 home runs and key postseason hits. Alongside him, Daulton Varsho anchors centerfield, supported by players such as Nathan Lukes, Anthony Santander, George Springer, and promising youngsters like Joey Loperfido and Jonatan Clase.

Pitching depth and potential additions

While the core rotation is strong, the Blue Jays may seek further reinforcements, especially as Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt enter free agency. One intriguing free agent target is left-hander Shota Imanaga, recently declined by the Chicago Cubs and poised for free agency. Imanaga’s 3.73 ERA over 25 starts in 2025 indicates solid performance, though his susceptibility to home runs requires cautious consideration, particularly in Toronto’s hitter-friendly Rogers Centre.

Toronto’s GM Ross Atkins appeared optimistic about internal competition and the free agent market to possibly enhance rotation depth. The bullpen also shows promise with returning players like Yimi Garcia and healthy pitchers such as Nick Sandlin expected to contribute.

Personal side of Bieber's story and Blue Jays family dynamics

Beyond the diamond, Shane Bieber and his wife, Kara Maxine, embraced fatherhood in March 2025 with the birth of their son, Kav McClain Bieber. The family relocated to Toronto following Bieber's midseason trade, beginning a new chapter. Kara shared insights on Instagram about the challenges of balancing motherhood with the demands of professional baseball travel, noting the emotional growth and support from nannies and Blue Jays facilities that helped keep the family grounded.

Bieber expressed a profound connection to his Blue Jays teammates and organization, calling the group “unlike any other” he had been part of. This bond likely influenced his choice to remain in Toronto for the 2026 season.

Assessing the impact of 2025 trades for the Blue Jays

The 2025 trade deadline was active for the Blue Jays as they sought to boost their playoff run. Key moves included acquiring reliever Seranthony Dominguez, former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber, and players like Brandon Valenzuela, Ty France, and Louis Varland.

• Domínguez trade: Addressed bullpen needs during injury absences, though he struggled with command especially during the postseason.
• Bieber trade: Brought an elite pitcher recovering from surgery, who delivered pivotal starts including a mixed but important postseason showing.
• Valenzuela trade: Added a promising catcher backup for organizational depth.
• Varland/France trade: Varland emerged as a critical reliever, setting the record for most postseason appearances by a Blue Jays pitcher, while France earned recognition as a Gold Glove first baseman.

When weighing the overall impact, the Varland trade arguably had the greatest postseason influence, with Bieber’s acquisition also providing vital pitching strength during crucial games.

Looking ahead to 2026

The Blue Jays enter the offseason with a strong foundation but face significant decisions, notably the contract of Bo Bichette and potential roster upgrades to maintain their competitive window. The pitching staff is a core strength, bolstered by the retention of Bieber and the health of key arms.

Meanwhile, the situation with Woodruff and the Brewers highlights how injuries and contract moves ripple across the league, influencing free agency markets and team compositions. As 2026 approaches, teams and players alike prepare for a season of opportunity and challenges in MLB’s evolving landscape.