MLB Rumors: Blue Jays Could Trade Jose Berrios

December 01, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Jose Berrios pitches during 2025 game.

The Jose Berrios trade conversation is only going to get louder as the offseason progresses. 

After a World Series run and a splashy seven year deal for Dylan Cease, the Toronto Blue Jays suddenly have more starters than rotation spots and an expensive right hander who finished 2025 in the bullpen instead of on the mound in October. 

With three years and $66 million left on his contract and an opt out after 2026, the front office has to decide whether Berrios is part of the next push or a trade chip that helps finish off this roster.

Jose Berrios trade buzz grows after Cease and Bieber moves

On paper, the Jays rotation looks loaded. Cease, Shane Bieber, Kevin Gausman and rising arm Trey Yesavage give Toronto four clear options, with Jose Berrios pencilled in as the fifth and Eric Lauer floating as a swingman. 

The issue is that Berrios was already the odd man out before elbow inflammation knocked him out of the entire postseason. The Jays had decided to shift him to a bullpen role down the stretch and he made only one relief appearance before landing on the injured list. 

That context is the idea of a Jose Berrios trade to free a rotation spot and redirect resources toward the lineup and bullpen is out there. Berrios still offers durability with 166 innings last year, but a 4.17 ERA and below average underlying metrics suggest any acquiring club would be betting on a bounce back more than banking on ace level performance. 

Should the Blue Jays trade Jose Berrios or move him to the bullpen?

Moving on from Berrios is complicated. He holds an eight team no trade list, he can opt out after 2026, and his remaining three years at significant money are not something every team will rush to absorb. 

Toronto would likely have to eat salary or accept a lighter return than fans expect, which defeats part of the purpose of moving him. At the same time, shifting Jose Berrios to the bullpen full time would be a big role change for a two time All Star who has built his career on volume and routine. 

The argument for keeping him is simple. The Jays just finished a long postseason that piled innings on their staff, and a durable veteran who can soak up starts still has real value for a contender. The argument for a Jose Berrios trade is just as clear. 

If Cease, Bieber, Gausman and Yesavage are locked in, it might make more sense to lean on cheaper depth options like Bowden Francis and Adam Macko while using Berrios’ money and roster spot to deepen the bullpen and everyday lineup.  

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images  

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