The Toronto Blue Jays, who’re nonetheless coping with the sting of getting failed to present themselves an opportunity to defend their American League Championship of final season, have loads of choices to make this offseason, however one among their largest questions may contain a participant who isn’t going wherever anytime quickly and who carries a hefty monetary dedication.
Beginning pitcher José Berríos, who missed virtually all of 2026, stays beneath contract with Toronto by way of the 2028 season, with $48 million nonetheless owed to the veteran right-hander over the ultimate two years of the deal, a quantity that turns into much more compelling contemplating the uncertainty that comes with what form he’ll be in following his restoration.
Toronto Blue Jays Beginning Pitcher José Berríos Underwent Season-Ending Tommy John Surgical procedure
After solely 4 appearances on the mound this season for the Blue Jays, Berríos underwent Tommy John surgical procedure, and docs instantly found extra issues as soon as they started the process.
“The bone within the elbow was on the ligament. Not ultimate,” supervisor John Schneider mentioned in regards to the surgical procedure in Might by way of MLB.com. “We sort of determined that, after they go in there, if that’s compromised in any respect, we’ll repair it. It was. He’ll be down for 12 to 14 months.”
The Blue Jays aren’t going to maneuver on from Berríos, particularly with a lot cash nonetheless tied to him. However additionally they can’t assume he’ll come again and instantly be the identical pitcher he was earlier than his damage.
That might make issues attention-grabbing for Toronto this offseason. The Blue Jays may have so as to add one other beginning pitcher whereas nonetheless having $48 million dedicated to Berríos over the following two seasons.
For a workforce hoping to compete, that’s a troublesome scenario. How Toronto handles Berríos may have a big effect on what the remainder of its rotation seems to be like.
The Blue Jays Acquired Berríos In 2021 From The Twins
Berríos made his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins in April 2016 after dominating at Triple-A Rochester, the place he posted a 1.06 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 18 innings. His first season within the majors was tough, as he went 3-7 with an 8.02 ERA in 14 begins.
After a number of years with the Twins, the Blue Jays acquired him in 2021 and shortly signed him to a seven-year, $131 million extension. After a tough 2022 season, Berríos bounced again, posting a 3.65 ERA in 2023 and going 16-11 with a 3.60 ERA in 2024.
He reached 100 profession wins in April 2025, turning into simply the fifth Puerto Rican-born pitcher to achieve the milestone.
However his 2026 season ended early after he was identified with a stress fracture in his proper elbow and underwent the aforementioned Tommy John surgical procedure on Might 20, with an anticipated restoration time of 12 to 14 months.
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