Toronto Blue Jays' Jose Berrios in mid-season form during Spring Training debut
Photo credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Jose Berrios looked like he was in mid-season form in his Spring Training debut against the New York Mets.
Jose Berrios looked sharp and composed in his first outing of the spring, delivering 2 2/3 innings for the Toronto Blue Jays against the New York Mets on Monday.
For a pitcher coming off a season clouded by health concerns, it was an encouraging sight.
The right-hander's 2025 campaign was not without its challenges.
Although he still logged 166 innings, Berrios later revealed that physical issues lingered longer than many realized.
Speaking to reporters, including Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, he admitted he had doubts about his health dating back to this time last year.
Those concerns, he said, followed him throughout the season.
«I threw that way last year all year long,» Berrios explained. «I've never been in that situation before. Everything was new for me. I never saw myself not pitching, so I just kept fighting and competing with my team.»
Jose Berrios said he felt "pretty healthy, pretty strong," during his first outing of the spring - 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 Ks vs the Mets, which is different than a spring ago. "Honestly, last year, at this time, I had doubt in my mind already," he said of his elbow.
Berrios' consistency, durability, and longevity have been his calling card throughout his career
Durability has long been a hallmark of Berrios' career. From 2018 through 2024, he made 32 starts in every full season, along with 12 appearances during the shortened 2020 campaign.
However, 2025 marked a departure from that consistency. He was placed on the injured list late in the year with what was initially described as elbow inflammation.
Berrios later clarified that inflammation in his biceps tendon was the root issue, indirectly affecting his elbow.
The numbers reflect the toll. After posting a 3.75 ERA in the first half, his performance dipped to a 5.15 ERA after the All-Star break.
His velocity also declined as the year progressed. Early in the season, his four-seam fastball and sinker averaged over 94 mph, but by late August they had dropped below 92 mph.
According to Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling, Berrios' fastball sat in the 91-92 mph range in Monday's outing, though chilly conditions may have played a role.
Jose Berrios threw 60 pitches Monday - 47 in-game & 13 more in the bullpen afterwards. That's more volume than typical for starters in their 1st spring outing. He averaged 91-mph with sinker & 92-mph with four-seamer on a cold, windy day that affected other pitchers velos, too
As he battled inconsistency last year, Berrios was briefly removed from the rotation before ultimately landing on the IL.
Now, with Shane Bieber expected to begin the season on the injured list, Berrios is projected to reclaim a spot behind Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage and Cody Ponce.
A healthy rebound season would be significant for both player and club. Berrios holds an opt-out clause after this season, allowing him to walk away from the remaining two years and $48 million on his contract.
He can also boost his future earnings based on his innings total in 2026, making durability and performance especially important in the months ahead.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 23|109 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays' Jose Berrios in mid-season form during Spring Training debut Do you think Jose Berrios will have a career year with the Toronto Blue Jays? | ||
| Yes | 32 | 29.4 % |
| No | 44 | 40.4 % |
| Too early to tell | 33 | 30.3 % |
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