Blue Jays sign starter José Berríos to seven-year, $ 131 million contract extension

The Blue Jays have made an early offseason stir, signing right-hander José Berríos to a significant contract extension.

The 27-year-old has agreed to a seven-year, $ 131 million contract with Toronto, ensuring that the two-time All-Star will be an important piece in the Blue Jays’ rotation for years to come, according to a source. The deal is still pending a physical exam.

The deal and its details were first reported by MLB Network’s Héctor José Torres Donato and Jon Morosi, respectively.

Berríos was traded to Toronto from the Minnesota Twins at this year’s trade deadline, in exchange for top prospects Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson.

He was under contractual control until the 2022 season when he joined the Blue Jays in late July, but locking up the Puerto Rican native for the long haul was considered one of the most critical pieces of off-season work for Toronto.

He has a 4.04 ERA in his career in six major league seasons and posted a 3.58 ERA in 70 1/3 innings following his trade to Toronto this summer. He has been an enduring starting option throughout his career, with at least 26 starts in four of six seasons.

Berríos joins Hyun Jin Ryu and Alex Manoah in Toronto’s rotation, with Robbie Ray and Steven Matz as free agents this offseason.