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If José Berríos hoped to wait to capitalize on his considerable potential after the 2022 season, the Blue Jays made the decision from the hands of the talented starting pitcher to keep him through the potentially most important years of his career.
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A source confirmed Tuesday that the team signed the right-hander to a seven-year extension worth $ 131 million, making Berríos a key arm in the team’s rotation going forward.
Berríos had one year left on his contract when the Blue Jays acquired him at the Minnesota Twins’ trade deadline. Toronto general manager Ross Atkins clearly thought enough of Berríos to give up prized infielder Austin Martin and top pitching prospect Simeon Woods Richardson for the 27-year-old Puerto Rican native.
This week’s extension was a big and potentially influential move at the start of the offseason for Atkins, especially given the fact that likely Cy Young award winner Robbie Ray is considered one of the best free agent tickets this winter. . For the third winter in a row, the Blue Jays clearly mean business as they look to build a 91-win season in 2021.
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Although the terms of the extension have been reached, a source said the Berríos deal is pending a physical examination.
Berríos provided an immediate boost to the Blue Jays’ rotation, helping the team launch into playoff contention in September only to fall a short game on the final day of the season. After moving from Minnesota, he pitched 70 innings in 12 starts for the Blue Jays with 78 strikeouts and a 3.58 ERA.
While Berrios thought he would be a key arm for the Blue Jays in 2022, the move to lock him up early continued the recent aggression from Atkins and the front office and sent a signal that the Blue Jays will become big players through the winter, even with the threat of a looming lockout.
It certainly continues the big deals the team has made in each of the last two off-seasons: signing George Springer to a six-year, $ 150 million deal before last season and left-handed starter Hyun-jin Ryu to a four-year contract. $ 80 million contract last year.
Given the price the Blue Jays paid for Berrios on the deadline, there was always the risk that he would fly off after the 2022 season, or at least test the waters of free agency.
But it appears the talented right-hander was impressed enough to close early. He certainly seemed comfortable with the Blue Jays and formed a strong relationship with manager Charlie Montoyo, a fellow Puerto Rican, and pitching coach Pete Walker.
However, the money doesn’t hurt, as Berríos’ contract is second only to Springer’s for being the richest in club history.
Reference-torontosun.com