Bieber re-ups with Guardians on 1-year deal

This was a reunion that no one could’ve seen coming just one year ago. At that time, Bieber was entering his final year under Cleveland’s control before heading into free agency. Given his track record, it was clear that Bieber would be well out of the Guardians’ price range. But during the first week of the 2024 season, everything changed.

Bieber was the best he had been since he took home that AL Cy Young trophy in 2020. He talked about falling in love with the game again after tinkering with his arsenal and battling nagging injuries the last few seasons. This was the version of himself he knew he could be. And this was going to be the type of player to rake in big money in free agency.

He struck out 11 batters in six scoreless innings on Opening Day. He started to feel pain in his throwing elbow and during his next start – one in which he fanned nine hitters in another six scoreless frames – the pain intensified. He walked off the rubber after the sixth inning with tears in his eyes, knowing what would come next.