Jose Berrios has been a reliable starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays.
But when the Blue Jays were playing in the 2025 World Series, Berrios wasn't there.
The right-handed starting pitcher had been left off the World Series roster, and he decided not to be in attendance.
Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins spoke Monday at the Winter Meetings about how that all went down, explaining that it had been Berrios' choice to stay away from the team.
“He was not happy," Atkins told reporters. "He was disappointed that he wasn’t in our rotation. He handled it well, but then when it came down to roster selection, he wasn’t on it.”
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At the moment, it feels like the Blue Jays have more starting pitchers than they'll know what to do with. But Atkins wants Berrios to stick around.
“José has been an incredible starting pitcher for his entire career and we’re very glad he’s here," Atkins said. "We certainly intend for him to be here moving forward.”
Berrios is technically under contract through 2028, but he has an opt-out in his deal after the 2026 season, so this could be a telling year for him.
In 2025, Berrios pitched 31 times for the Blue Jays and had a 4.17 ERA. The two previous seasons, he had put up ERAs of 3.65 and 3.60.
Toronto has signed pitchers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce this offseason.
The likes of Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage headline the group of returning starters.
Berrios will have to show good stuff in spring training to ensure himself of an Opening Day rotation spot, and it'll be up to him to keep it from there.
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