José Berríos took a significant step forward today, making his spring debut for the Blue Jays against the Mets. The right-hander pitched 2 2/3 innings, a promising sign after his health issues last year. Reflecting on the previous season, Berríos admitted he had doubts about his health from the start, which lingered throughout the year.
Despite the struggles, Berríos managed to pitch 166 innings in 2025, though it wasn't up to his usual standards. He's been a workhorse in past seasons, consistently making 32 starts from 2018 to 2024, with a dozen starts during the shortened 2020 season. He ended 2025 on the injured list due to elbow inflammation, but he clarified that it was actually his biceps tendon causing the trouble.
Berríos' performance dipped as the season progressed, with his ERA climbing from 3.75 in the first half to 5.15 in the second. His velocity also dropped, with his fastball and sinker falling below 92 mph by August. Today, he was clocked in the 91-92 mph range, although cold conditions seemed to affect many pitchers.
As Berríos aims to bounce back, he’s set to reclaim a spot in the rotation, especially with Shane Bieber starting the season on the IL. He'll join a rotation featuring Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and Cody Ponce. A strong season could not only bolster the Jays but also enhance Berríos' earning potential, as he has an opt-out clause after this year.
Meanwhile, lefty Eric Lauer finds himself in a challenging position. Projected as the sixth starter, he may begin the season in the bullpen.
Last year, Lauer oscillated between starting and relieving, posting a solid 3.18 ERA over 104 2/3 innings. He expressed a desire for a full-time starting role, a common sentiment among pitchers.
The Jays value Lauer's versatility, especially given their current depth concerns. Injuries have thinned their options, with Bowden Francis out for the year and others like Jake Bloss and Ricky Tiedemann recovering from surgeries. Keeping Lauer around provides insurance against further setbacks.
However, the situation could change quickly. If Bieber returns soon and the Jays re-sign Max Scherzer, Lauer might find himself further down the pecking order. In that case, the team might consider trading him to maximize value rather than keeping him in a limited role.