The Toronto Blue Jays proved they are among the top teams in MLB in 2025. While they were one blown save away from securing their first World Series in a few decades, there is great reason for optimism. Having a rotation that features the team-friendly contract of Trey Yesavage, the strikeout king Dylan Cease, and veteran Kevin Gausman is one feather in their cap. Another is having Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer on the bats, with a hopeful return of fan-favorite Bo Bichette.
Additionally, Toronto looks to solidify its bullpen. The blown save mentioned above has led to speculation that Jeff Hoffman won’t be the team’s closer moving forward. There are other arms in their bullpen who could share the load in that regard. Yimi Garcia had injury issues last season, limiting him to 22 appearances. Louis Varland was excellent in the postseason in relief after being acquired at the trade deadline.
However, the Blue Jays could make a move to free up a rotation spot. This move would also strengthen the bullpen, even if it forces a trade or demotion.
Toronto Blue Jays Should Revisit Bullpen Plan
The Blue Jays had a bullpen plan heading into the home stretch of the 2025 season. They were able to execute one part of that plan, but an injury prevented them from implementing the second part.
MLBTradeRumors recently reminded baseball fans that the Blue Jays had a plan before Jose Berrios was moved to the injured list.
“Berrios ended up being the odd man out of the starting mix even before a bout of elbow inflammation kept him sidelined for the Blue Jays’ entire playoff run,” Mark Polishuk of MLBTradeRumors wrote on November 30, 2025. “The Jays planned to transition Berrios to bullpen work prior to the postseason, and Berrios made all of one relief appearance before hitting the injured list.”
That plan was revealed in the aftermath of a brutal loss.
“José Berríos will be in the bullpen moving forward,” Keegan Matheson reported in a post on X, on September 19, 2025. “He can still start, but the conversation happened.”
Considering the acquisition of Shane Bieber and Yesavage’s rise to the MLB, a transition to the bullpen was in the cards for Berrios and Eric Lauer.
To Keep Berrios or Trade Him?
The Blue Jays have a clear decision to make for the 2026 season: trade Berrios or transition him to the bullpen. A move to the bullpen might be the better option of the two.
For starters, the pitching depth chart is starting to get very crowded. Even with the departures of Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt, the team still has Bowden Francis as a rotation option. The Blue Jays’ depth chart on the team website lists six relievers, bringing the total to 12 pitchers.
That’s 12 out of 13 pitchers with the Cease news not yet official.
Berrios said the 2025 season had been more physically taxing than previous years, according to Sportsnet. Combine that with a slight loss of velocity on his high-speed pitches, and it might be time to consider a new role.
Adding to the complexity is Berrios’ contract situation.
He currently owns an eight-team no-trade list. Berrios is set to earn $19 million for 2026, with a raise to $24 million for 2027 & 2028. However, he can opt out of his contract at the conclusion of 2026.
His salary and no-trade list add a hurdle to any trade negotiations. But the Blue Jays can find him a new team; it’s not impossible. If he can’t be moved, a different pitcher will have to be moved, whether in a trade or demotion.
However, if Berrios is to remain with Toronto, it’s likely not in the rotation.
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