Blue Jays May Trade Former All-Star Berríos for Mets’ McNeil to Fill Roster Needs
The Toronto Blue Jays, having significantly strengthened their pitching rotation this offseason, are now positioned to potentially trade away one of their established arms to address other team needs. After securing Dylan Cease with an impressive seven-year, $210 million contract and retaining Shane Bieber, the Blue Jays have created a surplus in their starting rotation. With Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and Eric Lauer also expected to play significant roles in the upcoming season, the team appears to have the flexibility to consider trading José Berríos, a former Gold Glove winner whose value remains high despite some recent performance challenges.
This pitching depth has sparked speculation about a possible trade with the New York Mets, centered around exchanging Berríos for Jeff McNeil, a two-time All-Star second baseman. As The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon noted, such a trade would be “cash-neutral” for 2026, with both teams essentially swapping areas of strength to address their respective weaknesses. The financial aspects align reasonably well, though Toronto might need to include additional pieces to balance the deal since Berríos’ contract extends through 2028, a year longer than McNeil’s commitment. The timing of such a trade proposal is particularly interesting given Berríos’ struggles toward the end of the 2025 season, which ultimately led to him losing his rotation spot—a development that might complicate trade discussions but could also provide leverage for the Mets.
For the Blue Jays, acquiring McNeil represents a strategic response to their infield uncertainties, especially if they fail to secure other high-profile free-agent batters. While McNeil’s offensive production has hovered around league average for the past three seasons, his profile aligns well with Toronto’s current needs. His effectiveness against right-handed pitching could make him a valuable addition to the Blue Jays’ lineup, potentially fitting between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer in the batting order when facing right-handed pitchers. This targeted deployment could maximize McNeil’s strengths while providing Toronto with a reliable presence at second base—a position where they’ve lacked stability.
The Blue Jays’ second base situation has been particularly fluid, as evidenced by their rotating approach during the postseason. The team cycled through various options, including Ernie Clemont and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, before ultimately sliding Bo Bichette over to second base during the World Series. This improvised solution highlights Toronto’s need for a dedicated second baseman, a role that McNeil could fill effectively. The uncertainty surrounding Bichette’s future with the team adds another layer of complexity, as he enters free agency with no guarantee of returning to Toronto. Even if Bichette does re-sign, questions remain about whether the Blue Jays would consider permanently moving the two-time All-Star from his natural shortstop position to second base—a transition that acquiring McNeil would make unnecessary.
From the Mets’ perspective, adding Berríos would strengthen their pitching staff with a proven starter who, despite recent struggles, has demonstrated the ability to perform at an All-Star level. The right-hander’s experience and track record would provide valuable stability to New York’s rotation. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays would gain flexibility in their infield while adding a versatile player in McNeil who can contribute in multiple ways. His ability to play both infield and outfield positions gives Toronto additional roster flexibility, potentially allowing them to address multiple needs with a single acquisition.
As both teams evaluate their options heading into the heart of the offseason, this potential trade represents the kind of mutually beneficial deal that could help each franchise address specific weaknesses without creating new ones. The Blue Jays appear determined to remain competitive after their postseason appearance, recognizing that strategic moves—rather than complete rebuilds—are likely the path forward. Beyond this specific trade possibility, reports suggest Toronto is actively exploring multiple avenues to improve their roster, including potentially pursuing Red Sox All-Stars, indicating that the team’s offseason maneuvering may just be beginning. Whether or not this particular trade materializes, it’s clear that the Blue Jays are willing to leverage their pitching depth to strengthen other aspects of their team as they position themselves for success in the coming season.
