Blue Jays Prioritize Rotation, Weigh Bullpen Options and Potential José Berríos Trade
The Toronto Blue Jays have made significant strides in bolstering their starting rotation this offseason, but questions remain regarding bullpen reinforcements and the future of veteran pitcher José Berríos. The team explored options like Ryan Helsley before he signed with the Orioles, signaling an active search for late-game pitching.
The Blue Jays demonstrated “at least preliminary interest” in right-hander Helsley, according to reports from The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon. This pursuit isn’t new; Toronto previously gauged Helsley’s availability both last offseason and at the trade deadline when he was still a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. Now, the Jays will face Helsley as a division rival, intensifying their need for bullpen depth.
Several pitchers, including Raisel Iglesias, Phil Maton, Edwin Diaz, and Pete Fairbanks, have been linked to the Blue Jays. However, Iglesias, Maton, and Fairbanks have already signed elsewhere. Given the front office’s history of thorough free agent exploration, it’s likely the team has contacted a wide range of relievers, from setup men to proven closers like Diaz. A team official indicated the club is open to utilizing Jeff Hoffman in a setup role, further highlighting the need for a closer.
Rotation Takes Center Stage
While the bullpen remains a work in progress, the Blue Jays’ most substantial offseason moves have focused on the starting rotation. Shane Bieber opted to remain with the team, declining to exercise his opt-out clause. Shortly after, Toronto secured Dylan Cease in a franchise-record seven-year, $210 million contract. These moves have rapidly transformed a previously uncertain rotation into a strength.
The projected starting five now consists of Cease, Bieber, Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and Berríos, with Eric Lauer providing swingman capabilities. Additional depth is provided by Adam Macko, Ricky Tiedemann, and Bowden Francis. This group represents a significant upgrade over the pitching mix that propelled the Blue Jays through the postseason.
Could José Berríos Be on the Move?
To potentially clear space for another high-caliber starter, the Blue Jays are considering trading Berríos. Both Bannon and the Toronto Star’s Gregor Chisholm have suggested this possibility, particularly as Berríos became the odd man out in the rotation even before an elbow inflammation sidelined him during the playoff run. The team had even planned a transition for Berríos to bullpen work prior to the postseason, but he only made one relief appearance before his injury.
Trading Berríos presents several challenges. He possesses an eight-team no-trade clause, has three years and $66 million remaining on his contract, and holds an opt-out clause after the 2026 season. Furthermore, his 2025 performance was underwhelming, posting a 4.17 ERA and below-average Statcast numbers across 166 innings. Any potential suitor would be banking on a rebound, likely valuing him as a durable innings-eater.
Despite these hurdles, Berríos’ ability to consistently log innings remains valuable, especially considering the increased workload endured by Blue Jays pitchers during their extended postseason run. Moving Berríos would also create some payroll flexibility, although limited. However, financial constraints appear to be less of a concern for a Blue Jays organization demonstrably willing to invest in a championship-caliber roster.
Front Office Stability Expected
Beyond player personnel, the future of the Blue Jays’ leadership appears secure. According to reports, the club likely had extensions finalized for General Manager Ross Atkins, team president Mark Shapiro, and manager John Schneider had the team not still been competing on November 1. Regardless, it seems a formality before the trio are officially retained. Shapiro’s contract was already technically expired, while Atkins and Schneider’s deals are up after the 2026 season – the club already exercised its club option on Schneider for 2026.
