The rumors that the Toronto Blue Jays may trade an arm before the 2026 regular season are growing stronger. The Atlanta Braves have already been dealt tough news in the first few days of pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training. Spencer Schwellenbach is set to open the season on the 60-day IL, and reporting by Braves insiders on Wednesday indicates that Schwellenbach might have to get surgery to remove bone spurs in his right elbow.
With all that being said, the unfortunate injury circumstance for the Braves may highlight a clear need to bring in another starter, and the Blue Jays’ $131 million arm, Jose Berrios, might be a top trade option.
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Could the Braves Trade for Jose Berrios?
With the Schwellenbach injury, the Braves’ top starter options include: Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Grant Holmes, Reynaldo Lopez, Hurston Waldrep, and Bryce Elder.
Atlanta does not lack starter options, as they even have Joey Wentz and Martin Perez who could also get starts, but the issue has been the ability to get consistency out of the rotation.
The reporting surrounding Grant Holmes says he’s 100% ready to go for spring camp and the upcoming season, but Braves fans would likely feel much more comfortable if the front office went out and acquired a veteran arm, like Berrios.
When will Jose Berrios get traded?
A trade for Jose Berrios makes sense for the Braves, but the kicker is that they would likely have to eat up some of the remaining money on Berrios’ seven-year, $131 million deal, which is valued around $45 million through the 2028 season.
It’s unclear what Toronto might ask for in return, but it would likely depend on how much of Jose Berrios’ salary Atlanta is willing to eat up. Toronto already has a stacked rotation, but could ask for a Braves current infielder and maybe a prospect or two to complete a deal.
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What Could Jose Berrios Bring to Atlanta?
Jose Berrios wouldn’t be called upon to be the Braves’ top starter, but his ability to make 30+ starts and still post effective stats is what makes the two-time All-Star starter attractive.
With the Blue Jays (five seasons), Berrios has made 138 starts and boasts a 4.09 ERA. His ERA over six seasons with the Minnesota Twins? 4.08 over 135 starts. While Berrios may be susceptible at times to getting hit around, he is guaranteed to take the ball every fifth day and give ample innings to this Braves rotation.
There have been massive trades to transpire in February over the past few seasons, so it wouldn’t be a shock if some of these high-quality arms do get moves ahead of the season.
It’s important to note that MLB free agency is coming to an end, so the best way for teams, like the Braves, to make splash moves is via the trade market.
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