The Toronto Blue Jays have been active early in the offseason, securing two key free-agent signings, and it seems like there may be more moves on the horizon.
After sealing a hefty seven-year, $210 million contract with pitcher Dylan Cease and a reported three-year, $30 million deal with pitcher Cody Ponce, the Blue Jays are now exploring the possibility of trading José Berríos, as per sources cited by The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon.
Berríos, 31, had a tough season with the Blue Jays, ending with an injury that landed him on the injured list for the first time in his MLB career. His season closed with him missing out on postseason action due to elbow issues, affecting his performance down the stretch and in the World Series.
In 31 appearances (30 starts), Berríos recorded a 4.16 ERA, the highest since 2022. Despite striking out 138 batters in 166 innings, his walk rate was the highest since 2020 when he played for the Minnesota Twins.
The Blue Jays made pitching a priority this offseason following the departures of Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer. With a revamped rotation that includes Gausman, Yesavage, Bieber, Lauer, Cease, Ponce, and Berríos, Toronto’s pitching staff is looking formidable.
Star player Bo Bichette turned down Toronto’s one-year, $22 million offer and remains a free agent. The Blue Jays are also eyeing outfielder Kyle Tucker in the free-agent market.
Berríos is set to earn $18.7 million in 2026 with an option to opt out at the end of the season. Gausman and Bieber are also potential free agents next year.
The Cease signing, confirmed recently, and the reported deal with Ponce have pushed Toronto’s projected payroll to $274.7 million for 2026, per Spotrac.
With the CBT threshold at $244 million next year and facing luxury tax implications, the Blue Jays are mindful of their spending as they navigate the offseason player market.
Keyphrase: Blue Jays offseason moves