The Cleveland Guardians will be without their ace for the remainder of the season as 2020 Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber is set to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. This marks a substantial blow to a team that had been off to a promising start.

Bieber, 28, appeared to be in peak form in his first two starts of the season, striking out a major-league-high 20 batters and tossing 12 scoreless innings against the Athletics and Mariners. However, he first felt discomfort following his Opening Day start against Oakland. This season’s elbow issues echo the struggles he faced last year, when he managed only 21 starts due to similar problems.

In response to his growing pain and inflammation, the Guardians provided Bieber with additional therapy and an extra day off before his next start against Seattle. Despite the increased soreness, he pushed through, pitching six innings before returning to Cleveland for further evaluation.

After additional imaging and consultations with renowned specialists Dr. Neal ElAttrache and Dr. Keith Meister, Bieber was advised to proceed with elbow reconstruction. The surgery could sideline him for up to 16 months. With Bieber set to become a free agent this winter, his recent appearance might have been his final one in a Guardians uniform.

After 134 career starts with the Cleveland Guardians, Shane Bieber boasts a 62-32 record and a solid 3.22 ERA. His 2020 season was particularly remarkable, as he led the majors in wins, ERA, and strikeouts despite the shortened campaign due to the pandemic. Additionally, he was an All-Star in 2019 and earned MVP honors during the Guardians' hosting of the All-Star Game. 

With Bieber now sidelined for the season following his Tommy John surgery, the Guardians face the challenge of maintaining their competitiveness in the American League Central. The team will need other players to step up in his absence to sustain their playoff aspirations.

Looking ahead, Bieber’s injury could impact his ability to secure a significant multi-year contract. Teams might be hesitant to commit to a large deal without seeing a more extensive period of health and effectiveness post-recovery. Even if he performs well upon his return, likely around mid-2025, teams will weigh his age—he’ll be 32 in the 2027 season—when considering long-term investments.

For Bieber, the prospect of a potential deal with the Guardians or another team could provide an opportunity to complete his rehabilitation in a supportive environment. If he can return to form and stay healthy through 2025 and possibly into 2026, it may position him for a promising contract, although teams will approach any offers with caution given his recent injury history.