Ex-Guardians Cy Young winner Shane Bieber reacts to returning to Cleveland with Blue Jays

Shane Bieber is one of the better pitchers in recent Cleveland Guardians memory. The 31-year-old from Southern California pitched in Cleveland from 2018-2024, and he remained with the Guards for the first half of the ’25 campaign. While the end of his Guardians career was unfortunately defined by injuries, Bieber was one of the best starters in the game from 2019-2022. In 2019, he earned the All-Star game MVP, while he won the 2020 American League Cy Young award. The Guardians traded Bieber to the Toronto Blue Jays before he returned from injury in 2025, however.

Bieber is currently injured, but the right-hander still traveled with the Blue Jays to Cleveland as Toronto begins a three-game series against the Guardians on Tuesday. The 2020 AL Cy Young winner commented on returning to Progressive Field, via Mason Horodyski.

“A bit odd for sure walking up the stairs and being on this side of the field,” Bieber said while speaking to reporters before Tuesday night’s game. “… It always feels great, it’s a great place to come back to. It’s odd thinking that it’s only been a year and it’s odd thinking that it’s already been a year.

“I’m happy to be back. It’s been awesome to catch up with some friends, and some family essentially, over the last hour or two.”

Bieber was a fan-favorite in Cleveland. He especially won fans over during his electric 2019 All-Star game performance that saw him strike out the side in his one inning of work.

“A lot of great memories,” Bieber continued. “The support from 2018-2025 was very special and something that my family and I cherish. So it’s something that I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.”

The Blue Jays’ right-hander has recorded a 4.37 ERA this season across 11 outings.

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