Former Twins Ace Could be Traded Again

It’s been more than four years (July, 2021) since the Minnesota Twins opted to trade their then-ace, Jose Berrios, to the Toronto Blue Jays, rather than extend him to a long-term contract.

In return, Toronto sent back 2020 No. 5 overall pick Austin Martin and a second top-100 prospect at the time, Simeon Woods Richardson. When the deal was made, Minnesota’s haul looked more than formidable.

Did Minnesota Twins Win or Lose the Jose Berrios trade?

Berrios’ initial stretch with Toronto in 2021 did not go smoothly, as he posted a 5.23 ERA (4.55 FIP) after the trade. The Blue Jays extended him the following offseason anyway, showing a level of confidence the Twins never quite had in the young Puerto Rican, despite drafting him 30th overall in the 2012 MLB Draft.

Since then, Berrios has rewarded Toronto faith with solid production. The 31-year-old played a major role in the Blue Jays’ World Series runner-up rotation last season, finishing with a 4.17 ERA and 4.65 FIP. Entering 2026, his career ERA with Toronto sits at 4.09.

José Berríos, 94mph Paint. 🖌️🎨 pic.twitter.com/6pgKVaOmjt

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 10, 2025

Meanwhile, Minnesota hasn’t seen the return they hoped for. Austin Martin has struggled to secure a consistent spot on the Twins’ big-league roster, and while Simeon Woods Richardson ended 2025 pitching well in the rotation, his middling stuff has made it difficult for him to consistently avoid hard contact.

Jose Berrios on Toronto Blue Jays trade block

But will Jose Berrios even be in Blue Jays camp this February? Maybe not, according to The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon. Just a month after helping Toronto assemble a World Series-caliber rotation, it appears the Blue Jays’ front office may be considering moving on, much like the Twins once did.

The additions of Cody Ponce and Dylan Cease this offseason could be what ultimately pushes Berrios out of Toronto’s new-look pitching staff.

Most likely, though, Ponce’s addition could instigate a significant winter trade, and the Jays, a league source said, are willing to listen on Berríos. The right-hander pitched through injury at the end of the 2025 season, lost his rotation spot, wasn’t on Toronto’s playoff roster at any point and departed from the team ahead of the World Series.

While Berríos has been a steady figure in Toronto’s rotation and clubhouse since 2021, a separation may be best for both sides. Adding Ponce, instead of a cheaper rotation depth option, signals that separation may be increasingly likely.

The Athletic

Berrios was never going to get his payday from the Pohlads, but what’s causing the tension in Toronto? Most likely, the Blue Jays no longer believe the seven-year, $131 million contract they gave him was a worthwhile investment, especially with nearly $70 million still owed through 2028.

Fresh off a World Series run and now stocked with new pitching talent, Toronto may view Berrios as too expensive for a back-of-the-rotation role. If the Blue Jays truly want to move him, they may need to pay down part of that remaining $70 million. But if they’re willing to do that, there’s no doubt the suitors will come calling.