Will Berrios have a spot on Toronto Blue Jays next season?

If you've been questioning Jose Berrios' future with the Toronto Blue Jays as of late, you are not alone.

We haven't heard from Berrios at any point since he was placed on the injured list in late September, effectively ending his 2025 season. Before being placed on the IL, it was clear that he wasn't too happy with his situation.

Not long before being placed on the IL, the Blue Jays made the decision to remove Berrios from their starting rotation. The 31-year-old, who had been a pillar in their rotation for several seasons, struggled prior to his demotion.

The original expectation was that Berrios would be back as a starter with the Blue Jays in 2026. In fact, he was expected to be a part of one of baseball's better rotations, which also includes Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Dylan Cease, and Shane Bieber. 

Now, there are some questions as to what Berrios' role with the Blue Jays will be this coming season.

Though management hasn't said anything to suggest he won't be a part of the team, the signing of yet another starting pitcher in Cody Ponce on Tuesday has raised some eyebrows.

Ponce, who was named the MVP of South Korea's KBO this past season, signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Blue Jays. 

To some, the Ponce move was simply insurance past the 2026 season, as Gausman and Bieber are set to be free agents next year, while Berrios has an opt-out clause. That said, a recent report from Mitch Bannon of The Athletic paints a different picture.

"Most likely, though, Ponce's addition could instigate a significant winter trade, and the Jays, a league source said, are willing to listen on Berríos," Bannon wrote in his latest column.

Berrios, who signed a seven-year contract with the Jays ahead of the 2022 season, is set to earn $19 million in 2026. Should he choose not to opt out of his deal, he will command a $24 million salary in 2027 and 2028.

Despite his struggles in 2025, Berrios has a strong track record of being a very good starting pitcher. He posted a 3.60 ERA in 32 starts in 2024 and had a very similar 3.65 ERA through the exact same number of starts in 2023. That should be enough to give him value on the trade market.

Though such a move may not be in the immediate future, Ponce's signing does signal the end of Berrios' time in Toronto should management find a trade proposal they like.