Like so many players in the Blue Jays clubhouse in the aftermath of Saturday’s gut-punch of a Game 7 loss in the World Series, it was clear that Shane Bieber didn’t want to leave.

And now, the former Cy Young Award winner and potential ace of any pitching staff he throws for, Bieber isn’t going anywhere.

The veteran right hander has activated his player option to remain with the team for the 2026 season.

It’s a solid immediate bit of business for the Jays front office, led by general manager Ross Atkins, tasked with the difficult work of running back a team as close to possible as the recent edition for a 2026 season in which there will be significant expectations.

So let’s break down the decision to remain with the Jays and Bieber’s reasoning for it.

Bieber fell for the city and the

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