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The Toronto Blue Jays could end up trading a former All-Star this offseason to fill one of their roster needs.
The Blue Jays bolstered their starting rotation this offseason, signing Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract and retaining Shane Bieber. With other hurlers including Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage and Eric Lauer positioned to play a big role in the rotation as well, Toronto may part ways with José Berríos, a former Gold Glove winner, in a trade this offseason.
The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon predicted that the Blue Jays will swing a trade with the New York Mets this offseason, exchanging Berríos for two-time All-Star second baseman Jeff McNeil.
“Trading José Berríos for the Mets’ Jeff McNeil would essentially be a cash-neutral move for 2026, with New York and Toronto exchanging areas of depth to fill holes,” Bannon wrote Friday. “The Jays may need to add another piece to facilitate the trade, as Berríos’ contract runs through the 2028 season, a year longer than McNeil’s. Trading Berríos at all could be difficult for the Jays, as he struggled down the stretch in 2025 and lost his rotation spot.
“Building a package for McNeil makes sense for the Jays if they whiff on free-agent bats, and New York could use reliable pitching. Though he’s hovered around league average at the plate the last three seasons, McNeil fits what the Jays require this winter. He isn’t Kyle Tucker or Bo Bichette, but the long-time infielder flourishes against right-handed pitching and could reasonably fit between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer at the top of Toronto’s batting order against righties.”
Toronto cycled through playing Ernie Clemont and Isiah Kiner-Falefa at second base in the postseason before moving Bo Bichette over to play second base in the World Series. It’s unclear if the Blue Jays will be able to retain Bichette in free agency, but even if they do, who knows if the team would consider a long-term move to second base for the two-time All-Star.
A trade with the Mets for McNeil makes sense for both sides. Toronto brings in a versatile former All-Star in McNeil who can fill various roles with the team while New York brings in a reliable pitcher.
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