The Blue Jays have continued their spree of shopping for pitching.
Just this morning, it was announced that another domino had fallen in the starting pitcher’s market. A pitcher that was becoming increasingly likely to be dealt, finally has been.
Jose Berrios is on the move. After being originally scheduled to start tonight’s game for the Twins in St. Louis, Berrios heads north of the border.
In exchange, the Twins landed two prospects; shortstop and outfielder Austin Martin and right-handed pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson.
It was just yesterday that Toronto acquired Brad Hand from the slumping Nationals. This is yet another move that proves the Blue Jays are going for it.
Toronto is now serious contenders for the second AL Wild Card, and could be a strong title contender should they reach the postseason for a second straight year.
This is also quite a nice way to re-enter Rogers Centre, which has been closed since the pandemic struck. While away from Toronto, the Jays played their home games in Buffalo, New York and Dunedin, Florida.
The Blue Jays have long needed some insurance in their rotation; someone to go alongside Hyun-Jyn Ryu. Today, they found their guy.
When Berrios first pitches in Toronto (at Rogers Centre that is), you can expect the crowd to be packed and in a frenzy as they watch their new ace take the mound.
On the other side, the Twins got a pretty solid haul, especially for just a year and a half of Berrios, as ESPN’s Jeff Passan notes. Martin and Richardson were ranked No. 2 and No. 4 in the Blue Jays system, respectively.
Watch out American League! The Blue Jays are coming, and they may not even be done, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Only time will tell.
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