The Toronto Blue Jays have a few problems to address before Spring Training. Toronto’s big additions of Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce solidify a rotation that will also feature a cost-controlled Trey Yesavage and a returning Shane Bieber. But with Kevin Gausman and Jose Berrios also in the mix, their rotation gets crowded very fast.
On the MLB reliever market, they were in the mix for Edwin Diaz and Robert Suarez. They’ve been linked to a few other closer-type relievers like Pete Fairbanks and Luke Weaver. However, they might be better off with an unorthodox selection who would solve a big problem for their bullpen.
Of course, all of this has been happening while they sort out how to orchestrate a reunion with Bo Bichette and add Kyle Tucker. There is a big possibility that they can get both. But, because of the interest in Tucker, they may draw the short end of the baseball bat with him.
Heavy has proposed a trade with the San Diego Padres to acquire Mason Miller to challenge Jeff Hoffman for the closer role.
Blue Jays Acquire:
- Mason Miller RHP
San Diego Padres Acquire:
- Jose Berrios RHP
- Ricky Tiedemann LHP
This proposal would give the Padres a durable starter in Berrios, fulfilling their need for help in their rotation. The Blue Jays get the high-leverage reliever they need at a much more affordable price point than Suarez and Diaz.
Here are the two problems the Blue Jays face and how this proposal would address them.
Problem #1: Blue Jays Give Jose Berrios a Fresh Start
Berrios has been a consistent starter for the Blue Jays since his arrival. The 31-year-old suffered from elbow inflammation toward the end of the 2025 regular season.
However, after having recovered during the postseason, he was left off the roster for the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“He was not happy,” Atkins said, via TSN. “He was disappointed that he wasn’t in our rotation. He handled it well, but then when it came down to roster selection, he wasn’t on it. It’s always tough when someone of his pedigree is not in the rotation. I’m sure he was not excited with that decision.”
“Having to be the one who makes it makes it very difficult. I’d describe the relationship as solid, professional.”
Sometimes relationships fracture after events like these. That’s why it’s probably in the best interests of both Berrios and the Blue Jays to find him a new team to play for.
Next year, Berrios will earn $19 million. At the conclusion of the 2026 season, there is a player opt-out in his contract. If he doesn’t exercise it, he will earn $24 million for two more years.
In 2025, Berrios played in 31 games, starting in at least 30 games for the fifth consecutive season. He finished last year with 138 strikeouts in 166 innings of work.
Problem #2: Add a High Leverage Reliever After Missing Out on Top Free Agent Closers
One MLB insider has recently discussed the current trade market. Jon Heyman revealed what the Padres are looking for and who they could move.
“The trade market is very active,” Heyman wrote on December 11th in the New York Post. “The Padres are listening on Mason Miller and Nick Pivetta. The price tag is high. They also need more starters.”
Is the package of Berrios and Ricky Tiedemann enough to acquire Miller? That depends on how the Padres value those two players.
Berrios makes sense for the Padres. He’s durable, and if he likes playing in San Diego, they can stay under contract for another two years.
Mason Miller Would be an Excellent Addition For the Blue Jays
The 27-year-old reliever is on the hook for $3.3 million in 2026. The 2025 season was just Miller’s third year in the MLB. He finished the year with 10 holds, 22 saves, and 104 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings of work.
Miller is packing some heat in the form of his 101.2 MPH fastball. He threw that pitch 52 percent of the time in 2025. His 44.4 strikeout percentage has him in the top 1% of the MLB. He also throws a slider and a change-up.
It’s tough for the Blue Jays to find a better option to challenge Hoffman for the closer position than Miller.
