Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Report: Blue Jays Showing 'Big Interest' In José Berríos
The Blue Jays are trying to make a big splash.
Toronto continues "to show big interest" in Minnesota Twins ace José Berríos, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.
Under team control through 2023, it was uncertain if the Twins would move Berríos ahead of the 2021 MLB Trade Deadline, but The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported the possibility of a deal was "increasing" with teams like San Diego, Los Angeles, Tampa Bay, New York, and Toronto interested. Heyman also noted that Blue Jay division rivals Boston and Tampa are players for the righty.
In his age 27 season, Berríos is posting a 3.48 ERA, with a 1.044 WHIP and 9.3 K/9. Berríos has started 135 games in his MLB career, carrying a 4.08 career ERA and 55-43 record.
A two-time All-Star, Berríos is seen as one of the top arms on the market. While rental pieces like Max Scherzer and Jon Gray have been coveted by some top playoff contenders, Berríos, alongside Texas' Kyle Gibson, are controllable names floated on the SP market.
Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins called the starting pitching market "sparse" last week, but also identified run prevention as the team's biggest deadline need. Toronto acquired LHP Brad Hand from the Washington Nationals early Thursday, but Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith reported the team will be "looking to add more," ahead of the Friday deadline.
The 2021 MLB Trade Deadline is Friday, July 30th at 4 pm EST.
