José Berríos arrived in Toronto with plenty of expectations back in 2021, when the Blue Jays swung a deadline deal with the Twins, sending top prospects Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson to Minnesota. At the time, it was a bold move - a win-now play to bolster the rotation with a proven arm. And for the most part, Berríos delivered exactly what the Jays hoped for: durability, consistency, and a veteran presence on the mound.
That faith was cemented when the Jays handed him a seven-year, $131 million contract extension following the 2021 season. The deal included an opt-out after 2026 and $5 million in incentives for both 2027 and 2028.
Financially, it was a significant commitment. Berríos is set to earn just under $18.7 million this season, with that figure jumping to $24.7 million in 2027 and $24.7 million plus one dollar in 2028.
At age 33, opting out after this year would be a major financial gamble - and likely not one he’s eager to take.
But things have changed in Toronto. Fast forward to now, and Berríos finds himself in unfamiliar territory - potentially on the outside looking in when it comes to the starting rotation.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for a guy who’s been a steady part of the Jays’ pitching staff for four and a half seasons. Over that stretch, he’s made 138 starts, posted a 53-39 record, and logged a 4.09 ERA.
That’s nearly identical to the 4.08 ERA he posted in 135 starts with the Twins. If nothing else, Berríos has been the model of consistency.
Still, consistency doesn’t always guarantee a spot, especially on a team that’s reloaded its rotation with high-end arms. The Jays are heading into the season with Shane Bieber, Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Cody Ponce, and promising rookie Trey Yesavage penciled into the rotation.
That’s a deep group, and it leaves Berríos in a bit of a limbo. The team also has depth options in Eric Lauer and Ricky Tiedemann, both of whom are expected to be ready to step in if injuries strike.
And then there’s the playoff snub. According to GM Ross Atkins, Berríos wasn’t thrilled about being left off the postseason roster last year - and understandably so.
“He was not happy,” Atkins told reporters. “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.” That’s a tough spot for any veteran, especially one with Berríos’ track record.
Atkins described the relationship as “solid, professional,” but there’s no doubt the decision stung.
Looking back at his 2025 season, Berríos wasn’t bad - just not quite the version of himself the Jays had come to rely on. He posted a 4.17 ERA across 31 appearances (30 starts), with a 1.3 bWAR.
He tossed 166 innings, which, while still among the top 25 in the American League, marked his lowest total since 2017. That’s a sign that the heavy workload over the years might be catching up with him.
And with the Jays pushing to contend now, they can’t afford to hand out rotation spots based on past performance alone.
So where does that leave him? That’s the million-dollar - or in this case, $18.7 million - question.
The Jays could try to trade him, but moving that contract would likely require eating a good chunk of the salary. He could shift into a long relief or swingman role, but the bullpen is already crowded.
According to Steamer projections, he’s expected to appear in 47 games with 19 starts, logging 139 innings and a 4.37 ERA. That suggests a hybrid role might be in the cards - part starter, part reliever, part insurance policy.
What’s clear is this: Berríos is still a big-league pitcher with something to offer. But on a team with October ambitions and a rotation full of frontline talent, he’s going to have to fight for his innings. And while it’s not the role he envisioned when he signed that extension, it’s the reality of a Jays roster that’s built to win now.