Where does Jose Berrios fit into the Toronto Blue Jays rotation in 2026?
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Will José Berrios be part of the Toronto Blue Jays' starting rotation in 2026?
Jose Berrios is entering Spring Training healthy, and that alone could put him firmly in the Toronto Blue Jays’ plans for the 2026 season.
In January, Berrios spoke with MLB Network about his injury struggles from last year and his focus on being fully ready for camp.
That optimism was reinforced Monday, when MLB Network insider Jon Morosi reported that Berrios has no health restrictions heading into Spring Training and has been cleared to prepare normally with the Blue Jays.
Morosi also shared why he believes the veteran right-hander is well positioned to open the season in Toronto’s starting rotation.
"If he has a solid beginning to spring and is able to start the year healthy, I have to expect that he has a claim on a rotation spot. Especially when you consider that the Jays won't have Trey Yesavage penciled in for 180-190 innings, because of where Yesavage's workload has been in the past. The key news for Toronto, unlike the end of last season, Berrios is healthy and ready to go for the Blue Jays."
Blue Jays expected to lean on Berrios for significant innings in 2026
The 2025 campaign was a challenging one for Berrios. He finished the regular season on the injured list with elbow soreness and was ultimately left off the Blue Jays’ postseason roster.
Despite the setback, durability has long been a strength of his game. Berrios has made 30 or more starts in five consecutive seasons, and his 166.0 innings pitched last year marked his lowest total in a full season since 2017, when he was still with the Minnesota Twins.
Berrios remains under contract for three more years at $67 million, which could complicate any potential trade discussions—especially after a 2025 season in which he posted a 4.17 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP, and an 11.8 percent K-BB rate.
Still, with Shane Bieber dealing with forearm issues and Trey Yesavage likely facing workload limitations, Berrios figures to be a key option for Toronto in 2026.
Whether as a full-time starter or in a swingman role, the Blue Jays are expected to lean on the veteran for significant innings if he stays healthy.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr reveals physical transformation ahead of Spring Training
Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr reveals physical transformation ahead of Spring Training
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 10|158 ANSWERS Where does Jose Berrios fit into the Toronto Blue Jays rotation in 2026? Do you think Jose Berrios will be in the Toronto Blue Jays starting rotation in 2026? | ||
| Yes | 102 | 64.6 % |
| No | 36 | 22.8 % |
| Too early to tell | 20 | 12.7 % |
| List of polls | ||