Breaking: Atlanta emerges in trade talks for a high-priced Blue Jays starter with two All-Star appearances. The $131 million pitcher could be the missing piece for the Braves’ postseason push. But would parting with prospects make the deal feasible? (J)

ATLANTA BRAVES EYEING JOSE BERRIOS: Could Blue Jays Starter Be the Missing Piece for Their Rotation?

The Atlanta Braves have been making significant moves this offseason, earning praise from analysts and fans alike. However, as GM Alex Anthopoulos and other front office executives have emphasized, the team’s offseason plans aren’t complete without adding another “impact” arm to bolster their pitching depth. Specifically, the Braves are in search of a starting pitcher, and one intriguing option on the trade market could be Jose Berrios, the Blue Jays’ veteran starter.

While the Braves have made significant strides this winter, there remains a pressing need for a reliable starter to round out their rotation. With options both in the trade market and on the free-agent market, the Braves are actively exploring their choices. Jose Berrios, a seasoned right-hander, could fit the bill as a potential trade target for Atlanta.

Why Jose Berrios? A Reliable Workhorse for the Braves

As noted by MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, Berrios, a two-time All-Star, could be a “Wild Card” option for the Braves. Over the past four seasons, Berrios has made 30+ starts each year, showcasing his durability. In two of those seasons, he posted a sub-4.00 ERA, proving that he can be an effective starter at the major league level.

The 31-year-old has been a key figure in the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation, making 138 starts with the team since he joined them in 2021. In that span, Berrios has accumulated a solid 4.08 ERA along with 702 strikeouts in 790.2 innings. His consistent ability to eat innings and provide stability has made him a reliable option for Toronto, but with the Blue Jays’ pitching staff becoming increasingly crowded, Berrios could find himself on the trading block.

Blue Jays’ Rotation Logjam: Why Berrios Could Be the Odd Man Out

The Blue Jays are set to enter the 2026 season with an impressive group of starters, including Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, and Cody Ponce. With so much talent in their rotation, Berrios could find himself squeezed out of a starting spot. As Bowman highlights, this crowded rotation means there may not be enough innings to go around, making Berrios a potential trade candidate.

Berrios’ contract—seven years, $131 million—could also play a role in his potential availability. While the Blue Jays might not be eager to part with a proven starter, the team may be willing to move Berrios if the right deal comes along. For the Braves, this presents a potential opportunity to acquire a durable, experienced starter who could help solidify their rotation.

What Would It Take for the Braves to Acquire Berrios?

If the Braves are serious about pursuing Berrios, it’s likely that they would need to part with a prospect or two in return. While the specifics of the trade would depend on the Blue Jays’ demands, Atlanta would also likely need to take on some of Berrios’ large contract, which could be a consideration given the Braves’ budget.

For the Braves, the addition of Berrios would significantly bolster their rotation. Currently, Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Spencer Schwellenbach are expected to anchor the Braves’ starting staff, but the team still lacks depth beyond that trio. Even Strider, despite his potential, still needs to prove himself as a reliable, consistent option for Atlanta. The team is looking for more stability in its rotation, and Berrios could provide that.

Other Rotation Candidates: The Braves’ Options for 2026

In addition to Berrios, the Braves have other rotation candidates in mind. Grant Holmes, Hurston Waldrep, and Joey Wentz will likely compete for spots in the rotation, but none of them have the same proven track record as Berrios. Adding a pitcher with Berrios’ experience and consistency would provide a boost to the Braves’ staff as they head into 2026.

Should the Braves Make a Move?

As Mark Bowman points out, the Braves are likely to make at least one more addition to their pitching staff, whether through trade or free agency. With the team’s rotation in need of depth and stability, Berrios could be a strong candidate to help fill that gap. His ability to consistently make 30 starts a season and maintain a respectable ERA would make him a valuable asset for a team like the Braves, who are looking to remain competitive in the National League.

In terms of financial flexibility, the Braves might have to get creative. Taking on Berrios’ contract might mean moving other pieces or dipping into their prospect pool. But with the Braves aiming for another deep postseason run, adding a starter like Berrios could be exactly what they need to complete their rotation.

What’s Next for the Braves?

The Braves’ pursuit of Jose Berrios represents one of the more intriguing storylines of their offseason. With the team already having a strong roster, adding a reliable, durable starter would go a long way toward ensuring that their pitching staff is deep enough to compete at the highest level.

The next few weeks will likely determine whether the Braves pursue a deal for Berrios or explore other trade or free-agent options. Regardless, Atlanta’s front office is keenly aware of the need to add another arm, and with so many pitching options available, expect them to remain active in their pursuit of rotation help.

Stay tuned to see if Jose Berrios ends up wearing a Braves uniform next season, or if the team looks elsewhere to solidify their starting rotation for 2026.