Tanner Bibee has emerged as an important part of the Guardians’ core. He will not be leaving Cleveland any time soon.
On Saturday, the Guardians announced they had extended Bibee through the 2029 season with a team option for 2030. Zack Meisel of The Athletic reported that the five-year deal is worth at least $48 million, with the 2030 option worth $21 million unless a $1 million buy-out is paid.
The 26-year-old has emerged as another impressive arm for the Guardians. He has posted a 3.25 ERA and a 1.144 WHIP in 315.2 innings over his first two major league seasons, striking out 328 batters with 89 walks. The 2023 AL Rookie of the Year runner-up, Bibee stepped up as a top-of-the-rotation arm in Cleveland when Shane Bieber was lost for most of the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery.
With this extension, the Guardians have some cost certainty and a potential bargain. The five-year deal buys out Bibee’s arbitration years and up to two free-agent seasons. He joins third baseman Jose Ramirez, closer Emmanuel Clase and reliever Trevor Stephen as building blocks.
While Bibee will be the Guardians’ Opening Day starter, the rest of the rotation is uncertain until Bieber returns. Ben Lively, who turned 32 in 2024, put together a career season and may be unable to replicate that performance. Youngsters Logan Allen, Gavin Williams and Luis Ortiz have displayed flashes of their potential but have failed to put everything together for an extended period.
If the Guardians contend in 2025, they will need Bibee to continue as a top-of-the-rotation arm. Cleveland is making a sizable wager that he will continue to be a franchise cornerstone.
