CLEVELAND, OH – The Cleveland Guardians have solidified their rotation for years to come, announcing the signing of Opening Day starter Tanner Bibee to a five-year contract extension through the 2029 season. The deal includes a club option for 2030, further underlining the team’s commitment to the rising star.
Player Profile: Tanner Bibee
- Age: 26
- Hometown: Mission Viejo, CA
- College: Cal State Fullerton (Guardians’ 5th-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft)
- MLB Debut: April 2023 (just 21 months after being drafted)
Bibee’s Early Career Highlights
Through his first two Major League seasons (2023-2024), Bibee has proven to be a cornerstone of the Guardians’ pitching staff:
- Career Stats:
- 22-12 record
- 3.25 ERA (114 earned runs in 315.2 innings)
- 328 strikeouts across 56 starts
- Runner-up for AL Rookie of the Year honors in 2023.
A Breakout 2024 Season
The 2024 campaign saw Bibee emerge as Cleveland’s ace, posting career-best numbers:
- Season Highlights:
- 12-5 record
- 173.2 innings pitched (team leader)
- 31 starts
- 187 strikeouts
- 12 quality starts
- Led Cleveland to a 22-9 record in his starts, cementing his role as the Guardians’ most reliable arm.
Postseason and Defensive Excellence
- In the 2024 postseason, Bibee logged a 3.45 ERA (6 earned runs in 19.2 innings) over four starts, delivering under pressure.
- His defensive prowess did not go unnoticed, as he captured his first Fielding Bible Award, highlighting his well-rounded skill set.
Joining Elite Company
Bibee’s consistent success places him in distinguished company:
- Recorded double-digit win totals in his first two seasons (10 in 2023, 12 in 2024), making him only the third Guardian since 2000 to achieve this feat, alongside Shane Bieber (2018-19) and Hall of Famer CC Sabathia (2001-02).
This extension reinforces the Guardians’ belief in Bibee’s potential to anchor their rotation for the foreseeable future, as they look to build on his impressive trajectory and strong leadership on the mound. Fans in Cleveland can look forward to watching Bibee’s continued rise as one of the game’s premier young pitchers.
