Blue Jays Player Issues Apology Ahead of MLB Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 12, 2026 3:03 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays did not face many setbacks last year, as the group clearly formed a tight‑knit connection with each player doing everything possible to help the team rather than focusing on individual goals.

That trust played a major role in the Blue Jays’ magical season, one that ended just one win short of reaching the World Series.

However, one player in particular elected to leave his teammates during their postseason run and faced scrutiny from both the media and fans for his decision.

That player was right‑handed starter Jose Berrios, who was placed on the injured list with right elbow and biceps inflammation late last season.

The injury forced him to miss the remainder of the year, but instead of staying with the club and supporting his teammates, Berrios chose to go home and rehab in Puerto Rico with his family.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher José Berríos (17)Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Tension had already been building between Berrios and the organization due to uncertainty surrounding his role before the injury, which contributed to his name surfacing in trade discussions this winter.

Even so, he remains on the 40‑man roster and is under contract through the 2028 season after signing a seven‑year, $131 million extension in 2021.

With pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training this week, Berrios returned and spoke with reporters for the first time since his absence. He announced that he apologized to his teammates for how last season ended.

“José Berrios apologized today and has apologized to his teammates for how 2025 ended. He says that he chose to go home to rehab in Puerto Rico and be with his family there, but owned that today, calling it a ‘mistake’ and a ‘bad decision,’” reported Keegan Matheson of MLB.com.

José Berríos apologized today and has apologized to his teammates for how 2025 ended.

He says that he chose to go home to rehab in Puerto Rico and be with his family there, but owned that today, calling it a “mistake” and a “bad decision”. #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/CMhn4Fipc8
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) February 12, 2026

With the apology behind him, the attention now turns to what Berrios can provide on the field in 2026.

This season, Berrios will look to revert back to the form that earned him two All‑Star selections with the Minnesota Twins in 2018 and 2019.

In 2025, he posted a 4.17 ERA across 31 appearances, even making a bullpen appearance after losing his rotation spot. His strikeout numbers dipped as he recorded 138 strikeouts in 166 innings.

For a club with postseason aspirations, getting Berrios back on track could be one of the most important developments of the year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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