It appears Jose Berrios’ time with the Toronto Blue Jays could be over.
Berrios struggled in the second half of the season for Toronto as he was moved to the bullpen. He was left off the playoff roster and ended up being placed on the injured list due to an elbow injury. Despite the Blue Jays being in the World Series, Berrios wasn’t with the team and went home as he was frustrated.
In the offseason, the Blue Jays have signed Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, while Shane Bieber opted back into his deal to add more starting pitching depth. With that, Berrios doesn’t have a clear-cut role with the team. Blue Jays insider Mitch Bannon expects the right-hander to have to compete for a bullpen spot in spring training.
“Unlike the rest of the pitchers in this bullpen battle section, Berríos — if he’s not traded — will be fighting for a way out of the bullpen and back to the rotation,” Bannon wrote. “But if Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Cody Ponce and Trey Yesavage make it through spring healthy, Berríos may find himself back in the relief mix.
“Regardless of role, the Jays need Berríos to bounce back next season. … Perhaps health can return Berríos to reasonable form. If not, the Jays may face a similar roster dilemma to the one that caused issues at the end of 2025.”
Berrios has three years left on his seven-year, $110 million deal with the Blue Jays. So, he would be an expensive reliever, but Berrios not even making the roster would be a shock.
Berrios Left Blue Jays During Playoff Run
Berrios had been an impactful pitcher for Toronto for years, but his 2025 wasn’t a good one.
The right-hander had a horrible second half of the season, which was due to injuries. Yet, it was a surprise he left the team during the World Series as he wasn’t happy he wasn’t on the playoff roster.
“He was not happy,” Atkins said when asked whether Berríos’ absence had anything to do with his injury or treatment. “He was disappointed that he wasn’t in our rotation, he handled it well. But then when it came down to roster selection, he wasn’t on it.”
Although Berrios leaving the team was a stunning decision, Atkins said the Blue Jays still have a good professional relationship.
“It’s always tough when someone of his pedigree is not in the rotation,” Atkins added. “I’m sure he was not excited with that decision. Having to be the one who makes it makes it very difficult. I’d describe the relationship as solid, professional.”
Berrios went 9-5 with a 4.17 ERA in 31 games last season.
Berrios Looking to Return to Full Health in 2026
In the second half of the 2025 MLB season, Berrios really struggled, which was due to his being injured.
Berrios said he battled an elbow and bicep injury all year, which impacted his performance.
“I battled all year long with my elbow, my bicep. But the way that the team competed out there, I was trying to (stay) out there and go out there and compete every five days with them,” Berrios said on MLB Network. … ” It was bicep tendon inflammation, so nothing major. We attacked that real quick, and that’s why I didn’t pitch in the playoffs.”
Although Berrios said he’s now healthy, he will have to earn a roster spot in 2026. He also appears to be on the outside looking in to have a spot in the Blue Jays’ rotation.
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