All-Star pitcher Jose Berrios spent less than four months with the Toronto Blue Jays, but even that was enough for him to decide that this is the place where he wants to spend the prime of his career. According to multiple reports, Berrios and Blue Jays have agreed on a seven-year extension earlier this week.
Berrios, who landed in Toronto ahead of the trade deadline from the Minnesota Twins, had one year left on his deal. The new contract, which is reportedly worth $131 million, will now keep him with the Blue Jays through the 2029 MLB season.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that the agreement between the two sides contains an opt-out clause after the fifth year. Berrios also got limited no-trade protection as part of the package.
The Blue Jays acquired Berrios in a trade that saw them sending top prospect shortstop Austin Martin and talented pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson to Minnesota. The 27-year-old ended up starting 12 games for the franchise in 2021, compiling a 5-4 record with 3.58 ERA and 78 strikeouts. Overall, he had a career-best 3.52 ERA and career-high 204 strikeouts in this past season.
Toronto was motivated to lock Berrios to a long-term deal considering that they have several members of their rotation that could depart the franchise in free agency this offseason. This includes All-Star Robbie Ray, who led the AL in ERA (2.84) and strikeouts (248) in 2021, and veteran Steven Matz. Righty Ross Stripling, on the other hand, has just one more year on his contract.
Jose Berrios has established himself as one of the most reliable and durable pitchers in baseball in recent years. Since 2018, he made an impressive 108 regular-season starts and is second on the list behind only Philadelphia Phillies’ ace Aaron Nola. Berrios has a 60–47 career record with 4.04 ERA and 857 strikeouts. He currently has two All-Star nods to his name.
