The New York Mets have made a bold move to address their pitching needs for the 2025 season, officially acquiring in a $52 million deal. The former Cleveland Guardians ace, who won the American League pitching triple crown in 2020, brings significant upside despite concerns about his recent health.
The Mets entered the offseason with holes to fill in their rotation, linked to high-profile arms like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. However, president of baseball operations David Stearns has also shown a knack for finding value in unconventional ways. Bieber represents a calculated risk, as the 29-year-old missed most of the 2024 season following Tommy John surgery, logging just 12 innings.
While Bieber’s return to form is uncertain and he may not be ready until midseason, the Mets have the financial flexibility to absorb the gamble. If healthy, he could provide a massive boost to a rotation that performed well down the stretch in 2024. After the All-Star break, the Mets’ pitching staff posted a 3.46 ERA, the fifth-best in MLB, according to FanGraphs.
Bieber’s proven track record makes the risk worthwhile. He led the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts during his 2020 triple crown season and has been a consistent ace when healthy. Stearns’ willingness to take a chance on Bieber suggests confidence in the team’s ability to supplement the rotation with more reliable arms in free agency or via trade.
Elijah Evans of Just Baseball identified the Mets as one of the few teams capable of taking on the perceived risk of acquiring Bieber, citing their deep pockets and need for top-end talent. With this acquisition, the Mets continue to show their determination to contend in 2025, betting on Bieber’s potential to deliver big performances when it matters most.
If Bieber can return to even a fraction of his previous dominance, he could be a game-changer for Carlos Mendoza’s squad as they aim for their first World Series title since 1986.
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