The Toronto Blue Jays had a nice run to the World Series, but they were doing it without one of their key players in Jose Berrios. He was away from the team for some time, having not pitched in the postseason and ending the regular season on IL with right elbow inflammation, which was the first time in his career that he had been on the list.
Many wondered what happened with him not being around the team, and general manager Ross Atkins opened up about the situation.
“He was not happy,” Atkins said via Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. “He was disappointed that he wasn’t in our rotation. He handled it well, but then when it came down to roster selection, he wasn’t on it.”
In September, Berrios was moved to the bullpen, and apparently, it did not sit well with him. Before going to IL, he made just one relief appearance and never returned to the active roster. Trey Yesavage was already having a strong season, and it was uncertain at that point if Berrios would be back in the lineup.
“It’s always tough when someone of his pedigree is not in the rotation,” Atkins said. “I’m sure he was not excited with that decision. Having to be the one who makes it makes it very difficult. I’d describe the relationship as solid, professional.”
The next step for the Blue Jays and Berrios is seeing what his future will look like. He's under club control through the 2026 season, and then he has an opt-out. He has the option to either remain with the team for two extra seasons or, if he has a good season next year, he could test his luck in free agency to help him land a bigger deal.
As of now, Berrios will have to try and make the most of next season, and hopefully, he can come back strong.
