José Berríos and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a seven-year extension worth $131 million. The contract extension includes an opt-out clause after five years. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman was the first to report on the deal. According to ESPN baseball insider Jeff Passan, the agreement also includes limited no-trade protection. The Blue Jays’ decision to sign Berríos to a considerable extension shows they have a great degree of faith in him. For now, that faith is justified, as he performed solidly after his acquisition at the trade deadline last season.
Jose Berrios Extension Breakdown
Berríos impressed the team brass in late 2021. Following his acquisition from the Minnesota Twins in July, he put up good numbers during Toronto’s nearly successful postseason push. In 12 starts, he went 5-4 with a 3.58 ERA. He also had 78 strikeouts against only 13 walks in 70 1/3 innings pitched. Berrios was acquired from Minnesota for two minor leaguers, shortstop Austin Martin and pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson. Giving up two prospects for seven years of Berríos seems like a good deal for Toronto. At the very least, it’s better than if the righty ended up being a rental.
The two-time All-Star has a reputation as a durable, dependable starter. He is among the league leaders in both games started, and batters faced over the last four years. The Blue Jays count on him to be a vital part of a strong, including Cy Young finalist Robbie Ray, Hyun Jin Ryu, and Steven Matz, whose career has resurged in Toronto. This move certainly shows they are serious about contending in the AL East for years to come. When you factor in their potent young lineup and the fact they won 91 games last year despite not heating up until September, there’s a feeling the Jays haven’t even begun to peak. It is almost scary to imagine how good they will be if they reach their full potential.
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