Blue Jays get significant trade update on $66 million starter

Matt Sullivan

•
Blue Jays get significant trade update on $66 million starter image

The Toronto Blue Jays have been one of the biggest spenders so far this winter, signing Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to $210 million and $30 million deals, respectively.

But, with both starters joining an already crowded rotation, there's reason to believe the Blue Jays could ship off a starter to bolster other areas of the roster.

However, a report from Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal in The Athletic points to the Blue Jays finding no takers for a $66 million starter in the trade market.

Blue Jays finding no takers for $66 million starting pitcher

"The Toronto Blue Jays do not expect to find a taker for right-hander Jose Berrios," Sammon and Rosenthal write, "who is owed $66 million over the next three seasons.

Jose Berrios, who was left off the World Series roster due to Berrios being unsatisfied about losing a starting role, could've been a clear trade candidate.

But, even though he would make for an intriguing trade candidate this winter thanks to the Blue Jays' free agent moves, no such trade is likely.

Whether it's a combination of the free agent options or trade targets being better, or teams expressing concern over Berrios himself, the Blue Jays aren't expected to find any suitors for the 31-year-old starter.

More: Dylan Cease contract details for $210 million Blue Jays deal revealed

He's coming off a 4.17 ERA season for the Blue Jays in 2025. He started 30 games and had an ERA+ of 102, the second-worst mark of his career since his rookie season.

Since coming to Torotno, Berrios has posted a 4.09 ERA in 138 starts. His 4.08 ERA in 135 starts for the Minnesota Twins is further evidence that Berrios isn't an ace, but a quality starter.

He's had his ups and downs, but owing $66 million over the next three years, the Blue Jays would likely be open to moving him this winter.

But, as Rosenthal and Sammon report, such a trade isn't likely, as the two-time All-Star and 10-year veteran is not expected to go anywhere this winter.

More Blue Jays News:

Editorial Team