The Toronto Blue Jays are being forced to trade two starting pitchers
|
Victor William
Feb 3, 2026 (12:59)
|
|
Photo credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Jose Berrios (Acquired via Trade, 2021) and Bowden Francis (Acquired via Trade, 2021) are suddenly the two most controversial names in Dunedin, and moving them might be the only choice they have.
This sounds drastic, but look at the roster math.
The rotation is suddenly overcrowded with elite arms after the massive signings of Dylan Cease and KBO MVP Cody Ponce, plus the return of Shane Bieber.
Berrios, despite his "reliable" reputation, has become an expensive luxury ($19M this year) who was left off the playoff roster last October.
Meanwhile, Francis struggled mightily in 2025, posting a 6.05 ERA and looking lost as a starter.
Keeping them blocks the path for younger, cheaper, and potentially better options like Trey Yesavage or even Eric Lauer.
Trading Berrios clears $66 million off the long-term books, money that is desperately needed to replace Bo Bichette's bat or reinforce the bullpen.
Packaging Francis with him could sweeten the pot for a team willing to take a flyer on a bounce-back candidate.
It’s not about "dumping" talent; it’s about asset management.
Keeping a disgruntled veteran and a struggling swingman when you have World Series aspirations is a recipe for clubhouse tension.
Ross Atkins needs to be ruthless here.
If the Blue Jays are serious about bringing in another starting pitcher like Framber Valdez, they will have no choice but to make some trades.
The rotation of the future is already here
As a fan, it’s hard to say goodbye to a guy like Berrios who gave us stability for years.
But the "La Makina" we saw in 2021 isn't walking through that door.
His strikeout rate has plummeted (under 20% in three of the last four years), and he is trending in the wrong direction.
We need miss-bat stuff to compete with the Yankees and Orioles, not "innings eaters."
Francis had his moment in late 2024, but 2025 exposed him as a depth piece, not a rotation staple.
With Cease and Gausman leading the charge, and Bieber offering high-upside depth, we can afford to take this risk.
Clearing these spots allows the team to be agile at the trade deadline.
It sends a message that mediocrity won't be tolerated, even if you have a big contract.
Rip the band-aid off now.
Also read on Toronto Baseball Insider :
Blue Jays infielder seems to be done with Toronto and headed to divisional rival
Blue Jays infielder seems to be done with Toronto and headed to divisional rival
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 3|393 ANSWERS The Toronto Blue Jays are being forced to trade two starting pitchers Should the Blue Jays trade Jose Berrios even if they have to eat some of his salary? | ||
| Yes | 292 | 74.3 % |
| No | 101 | 25.7 % |
| List of polls | ||