Toronto Blue Jays’ pitching depth has been one of their greatest strengths heading into the new season. However, concerns surrounding Jose Berrios’ health have resurfaced, casting uncertainty over his role just as he looks to reestablish himself following a turbulent year.
Berrios’ 2024 campaign was derailed by right elbow inflammation — the first injured list stint of his 10-year career. The setback ultimately contributed to him being left off the postseason roster, a move that clearly weighed on the veteran starter.
“Berrios will ramp up in camp like he always has, and if the Blue Jays still have six healthy starters by late March, that’s when any uncomfortable conversations can happen,” Keegan Matheson wrote for MLB.com. “Berrios was ‘not happy’ with how his season ended, being left off the postseason rosters after a trip to the IL (right elbow inflammation) for the first time in his 10-year career.”
A crowded rotation creates pressure
Toronto aggressively strengthened its pitching staff this offseason, acquiring frontline starter Dylan Cease, veteran reliever Tyler Rogers and reigning KBO MVP Cody Ponce.
With Shane Bieber opting back into his contract and Trey Yesavage building momentum after an impressive debut, Toronto Blue Jays suddenly find themselves with a surplus of arms.
That depth, while valuable, places Jose Berrios in a delicate position. If the rotation remains healthy, the team could once again face the difficult decision of shifting him to the bullpen — a scenario complicated by the three years remaining on his $131 million contract.
Berrios sends confident message — but admits past doubt
Despite lingering concerns from last season, Berrios projected confidence following his Spring Training debut against the New York Mets.
“Jose Berrios said he felt ‘pretty healthy, pretty strong,’ during his first outing of the spring,” Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi reported on X, formerly Twitter.
However, the 30-year-old also acknowledged how different this spring feels compared to last year’s uncertainty.
“Honestly, last year, at this time, I had doubt in my mind already," Berrios added, referring to an elbow problem that persisted throughout the season, per Davidi. “I've never been in that situation before. I just was dealing with that. Everything was new for me. I never saw myself (not pitching) so that's why I kept trying to fight and compete with my team."
What comes next for Toronto Blue Jays?
Bieber’s delayed return from Tommy John surgery offers a potential opening, but the margin for error is thin. For Jose Berrios, staying healthy is paramount — not only to secure a rotation spot but to silence lingering doubts from last season’s injury setback.
With championship expectations once again in play, Toronto Blue Jays’ ability to navigate Berrios’ situation could quietly shape their season.