The sting of the Toronto Blue Jays‘ World Series loss was amplified by the conspicuous absence of starter José Berríos. His decision to rehab away from the team became a contentious storyline, and now, as a new season begins, the 31-year-old is finally here to address it.

José Berríos ended 2025 on the injured list (15-day IL) with right elbow inflammation on 25 September, his first major injury in 10 years of his career. The injury removed him from postseason pitching plans entirely during the seven-game World Series loss. Berríos chose rehabbing in Puerto Rico instead of staying with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Now, as he is back and eager to move forward, Berríos felt the urge to talk about the unresolved issue first.

As reported by Keegan Matheson, “José Berríos apologized today and has apologized to his teammates for how 2025 ended. He says that he chose to go home to rehab in Puerto Rico and be with his family there, but owned that today, calling it a “mistake” and a ‘bad decision’.”

In his almost 2-minute statement regarding the matter, the righty never tried to make any excuses, as all he wants now is to “turn the page” and grab this year’s opportunity.

The 31-year-old posted a 4.17 ERA across 166 innings before shutting down after a rotation removal decision. Since July, he carried a  5.37 ERA with a noticeable velocity drop over the final two months, following which Toronto moved him to the bullpen.

GM Ross Atkins said he was not happy about the demotion from a starting rotation spot. Atkins confirmed roster selection left him off the World Series after the bullpen move.

Manager John Schneider said emotions ran high during the stretch as the club chased a championship run. But now, even the skipper has confirmed that Berríos has talked to his teammates and that baseball players “have a short memory,” especially given his track record. He even acknowledged that the team could’ve handled things differently had they not been locked into the WS so much.

Reportedly, Berríos and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. spent time in the camp, smiling and being themselves. And if Vladdy is good, the franchise is, too.

Despite a setback, the Toronto Blue Jays fought hard through a 7-game World Series against the defending champion Dodgers.

Game 3 lasted 18 innings before the LA secured a win in a marathon 2-1 thriller. Toronto used multiple relievers across 8.2 playoff innings, with Chris Bassitt in a bullpen role alone.

Berríos’ availability could have provided length during the 18-inning Game 3 bullpen strain period, especially. In Game 7, Toronto again fell short without rotation depth against the Los Angeles lineup.

While pitching faltered, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. delivered historic October production for the Toronto Blue Jays lineup.

Guerrero batted .529 in the Division Series and .385 in the ALCS before a .368 World Series mark. His Game 4 homer off Shohei Ohtani erased an early 1-0 deficit in the third inning. That swing tied the series 2-2.

Still, the bullpen workload showed the cost of missing a veteran starter across seven tense games overall.

Now, 2026 arrives with heavy expectations around José Berríos’ role within the crowded rotation. The Toronto Blue Jays list Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, and Cody Ponce alongside him entering spring competition for spots.

Bowden Francis will miss the season after UCL reconstruction surgery, creating further rotation pressure.

Meanwhile, José Berríos is under control through 2026 with an opt-out decision looming after the season ends. A strong season could influence free agency at 32 following a seven-year, $131 million extension.

José Berríos‘ future is up in the air as the Blue Jays think of a possible trade

The Blue Jays have been linked to trade talks surrounding José Berríos, as reports suggest contenders are eyeing his availability this offseason.

Berríos has three years and roughly $66 million left, making him expensive but still durable. Rumors intensify because Toronto has deepened its rotation by signing Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, increasing surplus arms.

Atlanta’s need for starting pitching has made José Berríos a logical trade target, per reports.

With the Braves still chasing rotation help, they’ve considered Berríos because he has made 32+ starts in most seasons and can reliably take the ball every fifth day. His ability to log innings is appealing for a club seeking depth rather than ace performance.

Berríos’ contract size means any suitor would likely negotiate how much salary Toronto retains.

That negotiation complexity does not erase the fact that Berríos remains a veteran arm with a track record of innings.

For the Blue Jays, moving Berríos may be part of roster balance after the rotation additions and his late‑season issues. He may represent expendable salary relief in exchange for future assets. Fans saw him pitch six solid innings in 2025 spring action, but that optimism faded after struggles and a World Series absence.

His elbow inflammation and demotion from the rotation left his role uncertain going into 2026 training camp.