José Berrios has become quite the conversation starter since the 2025 World Series kicked off last October. His unexpected departure from the team just before Game 1 left many scratching their heads, and it seems there might be a bit of distance between the Toronto Blue Jays and their veteran pitcher.
Now, it's important to note that there's no official word on any rift or fallout. Yet, in the world of sports, perception is everything.
How the media portrays these events can shape a fan's view and impact an athlete's experience. With the latest reports on Berrios, the buzz continues to build as we move into 2026.
Berrios has kicked off his spring campaign on a high note, but the off-field issues might need some attention sooner rather than later.
Berrios' Spring Debut: Strong Performance Amid Lingering Concerns
In his first outing of the 2026 Spring Training, Berrios pitched 2.2 innings against the Mets, allowing two earned runs, striking out two, and giving up three hits. He expressed feeling "pretty healthy and pretty strong," a stark contrast to the previous spring when he had concerns about his elbow.
Reflecting on last year's Spring Training, Berrios finished with a solid 2-0 record and a 2.18 ERA over 20.2 innings. Those numbers suggest a strong spring, though they didn't entirely eliminate concerns about potential injury.
Notably, before 2025, Berrios had never been on the injured list, making last year's elbow worries particularly significant. He admitted that by this time last year, doubts about his elbow had already crept in.
When Blue Jays manager John Schneider heard Berrios' comments about his health compared to 2025, it seemed to catch him off guard. "José's been around long enough," Schneider said.
"He knows when he's good to go and when to pull back. If we ever felt uneasy about him pitching, we wouldn't have let him."
Berrios went on to have a respectable 2025 regular season, ending with a 9-5 record and a 4.17 ERA over 31 games. He struck out 138 batters in 166 innings, ranking third among Blue Jays pitchers. While fans might not have seen the elbow as an issue, Berrios knows his body best.
As 2026 began, Berrios apologized for his sudden exit before Game 1 of the World Series, explaining that he returned to Puerto Rico to be with his family and continue rehabbing his elbow.
Spring Training is all about building team chemistry and overcoming challenges to prepare for the season. While another disagreement between Berrios and the Blue Jays isn't ideal, it's better to address these issues now rather than mid-season. Maintaining unity and moving forward is crucial before the games truly start to matter.