The Atlanta Braves‘ pitching staff injuries have been well-documented to open up the new MLB season. There’s reason to believe the Braves could pursue a blockbuster trade before the regular season, or early April or May if the starting rotation outlook gets bleak. That would mean even the anticipated return dates for Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep aren’t enough for the team to feel comfortable.
In a recent trade pitch by Heavy on Sports, the Atlanta Braves make a significant trade with the Toronto Blue Jays to acquire $131 million All-Star starter Jose Berrios in return for southpaw reliever Dylan Dodd and RHP Lucas Braun.
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Why This Trade Idea Makes Sense for Braves-
GettyJosé Berríos #17 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches in the first inning of their MLB game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre on May 1, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
This hypothetical trade idea makes sense for the Braves because they could use a true inning-eater in their starting rotation, regardless of how healthy Schwellenbach and Waldrep are when they return.
Jose Berrios is an arm that is pretty much guaranteed to give 30+ starts a season, and the craziest part is the Blue Jays might not even have the room for him in their rotation. This opens the door for him to become the subject of trade rumors, and Atlanta is a team that could capitalize on that opportunity.
If there’s one thing the Blue Jays might be looking for to add to their roster it’s back-of-the-bullpen help. Dylan Dodd isn’t exactly the strongest candidate to give you high-leverage innings, but he did post a 3.60 ERA last season, which could catch the eyes of Toronto’s front office.
As for Berrios, he’s consistently posted an ERA in the low-4.00s for several years of his career. The Braves wouldn’t be looking for him to be their next ace, but rather just slot in as the third or fourth option, and Atlanta wouldn’t have to worry about him taking the ball every fifth day.
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What is Jose Berrios’s Current Price Tag?
Jose Berrios signed a seven-year, $131 million extension with the Blue Jays a few seasons back that runs until 2028, but some reports indicate that Toronto might be willing to move off that contract if they can find the right suitor.
According to Spotrac, Jose Berrios is the sixth-ranked ‘trade candidate’ in MLB, and he’s owed $66 million through the 2028 season.
Berrios has posted 165+ innings in seven straight full seasons, which also includes him making 30+ starts in all of those years. He got roughed up a little bit in 2022 to the tune of a 5.23 ERA over 170 innings, but bounced back in 2023 and 2024 with an ERA in the 3.60-range. In 2025, Berrios posted a 4.17 earned run average with 138 strikeouts.
It’s worth looking into if you’re the Braves. Maybe not before the season begins, but if there’s a clear indication that some starters are going to have trouble giving you impactful innings, trading for a potentially disgruntled Jose Berrios makes sense for the Braves.
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Braves-Blue Jays Trade Pitch Sends $131 Million Starter to Atlanta for 3.60 Southpaw Reliever