Jose Berrios time as a Toronto Blue Jays is finally ending

Feb 9, 2026 (9:17)

Photo credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

José Berrios arrives at spring training facing a brutal reality that threatens his status as a franchise pillar.

For the first time in his Toronto tenure, "La Makina" is not a guaranteed lock for the Opening Day rotation.

The Blue Jays front office has assembled an embarrassment of pitching riches that leaves one veteran arm odd man out.

With the massive signing of Dylan Cease and the emergence of rookie sensation Trey Yesavage, the math has changed.

Add in a healthy Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber exercising his player option, and you have six starters for five spots.

Berrios (Acquired via trade in 2021) is coming off a 2025 campaign that raised serious red flags.

He posted a 9-5 record with a 4.17 ERA and was noticeably absent from the postseason roster due to "elbow inflammation."

There is lingering tension after he expressed frustration about being shut down during the team's World Series run.

Now, he enters a critical year where he holds an opt-out clause at the end of the season.

Fans are torn between loyalty to a workhorse and the excitement of the new, younger arms.

If Berrios rebounds to his All-Star form, he likely opts out to chase one last massive payday.

If he struggles again, the Jays are on the hook for a massive salary through 2028.

It is a high-stakes poker game where the front office holds the cards but Berrios holds the leverage.

General Manager Ross Atkins calls it "depth," but the clubhouse knows it is an awkward standoff waiting to happen.

Berrios must prove he is still a top-tier arm, or he risks becoming the league's most expensive long reliever.

The pressure in Dunedin will be suffocating, and that is exactly how championship teams are forged.

Previously on Toronto Baseball Insider

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FEVRIER 9\|412 ANSWERS Jose Berrios time as a Toronto Blue Jays is finally ending Should the Blue Jays trade José Berríos before Opening Day to clear the logjam?
Yes	278	67.5 %
No	134	32.5 %
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