José Berríos – Toronto Blue Jays Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

José Berríos, who goes by the nickname “La Makina,” has become a cornerstone pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays since his move from the Minnesota Twins.

He was born on May 27, 1994, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. The Twins picked him in the 2012 MLB Draft as the 32nd overall selection.

Berríos has earned a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable starters. His steady performance on the mound really stands out.

In November 2021, Berríos signed a seven-year, $131 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. The deal included a $5 million signing bonus, and it guarantees him an average annual salary of about $17 million through 2025 and beyond.

This contract with the Blue Jays shows just how much the organization trusts him as a frontline starter.

Berríos isn’t just collecting MLB paychecks. He’s built a net worth estimated at $10 million as of 2024.

Endorsements and investments have boosted his wealth as well. Even as the money rolls in, he’s focused on living up to the “La Makina” nickname and delivering for his team.

José Berríos: Early Life and Background

José Orlando Berríos was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, on May 27, 1994. His journey to MLB started on those local fields.

His upbringing and early baseball experiences in Puerto Rico really shaped his path.

Family and Childhood

Berríos grew up surrounded by a supportive family in Bayamon. People started calling him “La Makina” (Spanish for “The Machine”) early on—a nickname that stuck through his pro career.

Baseball was more than a sport in Puerto Rico; it was a way of life. The island’s baseball tradition is legendary, and that culture fueled Berríos’s passion.

The tropical climate in Puerto Rico meant he could play all year. He spent countless hours honing his skills on the field.

His family saw his talent early. They encouraged him every step of the way.

Amateur Baseball Journey

Berríos attended Papa Juan XXIII High School in Bayamon. There, he stood out as a pitching prospect.

Scouts noticed his arm strength and control. He started turning heads before he even finished high school.

In 2012, the Minnesota Twins drafted Berríos in the supplemental first round, 32nd overall. That was a big deal—he became one of the highest-drafted Puerto Rican players.

Before the draft, Berríos represented Puerto Rico in international youth tournaments. Those games helped him build confidence and skill against top competition.

He jumped from amateur to pro ball pretty quickly. After signing, he instantly became one of the Twins’ top pitching prospects.

Professional MLB Career Highlights

Since his MLB debut, José Berríos has built a reputation as one of baseball’s most durable starters. He’s made two All-Star teams and even snagged a Gold Glove.

Draft and Debut

The Minnesota Twins picked Berríos 32nd overall in 2012. He worked his way through the minors and debuted in the majors on April 27, 2016, facing the Cleveland Indians.

His first season wasn’t easy. He finished with an 8.02 ERA in 14 starts.

But Berríos didn’t let those struggles define him. He came back in 2017 with more confidence and better command.

He finished that season 14-8, with a 3.89 ERA over 145.2 innings.

Berríos quickly earned a reputation as a workhorse. His durability and mechanics set him apart.

He relied on a four-seam fastball and a nasty curveball—those pitches became his calling card.

Performance with Minnesota Twins

Berríos really blossomed with the Twins. He made All-Star teams in 2018 and 2019.

In 2018, he posted a 12-11 record, a 3.84 ERA, and struck out 202 batters in 192.1 innings.

The next year, he kept improving. He finished 2019 with a 14-8 record and a 3.68 ERA.

Berríos became the Twins’ opening day starter, which pretty much confirmed his status as the team’s ace.

Even during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Berríos stayed reliable. He started 12 games and went 5-4.

The Twins could always count on him for steady innings. That made him a valuable piece of their rotation for six seasons.

Toronto Blue Jays Era

In July 2021, the Twins traded Berríos to the Toronto Blue Jays for top prospects Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson.

The Blue Jays wasted no time. They signed him to a seven-year, $131 million extension that November.

His first full season with Toronto in 2022 was rough. He posted a career-high 5.23 ERA.

But in 2023, Berríos bounced back. He improved his numbers and earned his first Gold Glove Award for his defense.

For the 2024 season, Berríos kept his spot as a cornerstone in the Blue Jays rotation. His salary sits around $15-17 million per year.

By 2025, Berríos remains an essential part of Toronto’s pitching staff. His contract runs through 2028.

Major Contracts and Free Agency Timeline

Berríos’s financial journey in MLB tells a story of steady growth. He’s gone from rookie deals to a major extension with the Blue Jays.

His rise in value as a starting pitcher is pretty clear.

Initial MLB Contracts

Berríos started out on the usual rookie contracts. The Twins drafted him 32nd overall in 2012, and he climbed through the minors.

In March 2018, he signed a one-year deal worth $570,000 with Minnesota.

That was standard pre-arbitration pay. As he performed better, his salary increased.

He went year-to-year through arbitration with the Twins. They valued his consistency and durability.

Those qualities eventually made him a hot commodity for teams needing pitching.

Blue Jays Contract Details

The biggest financial leap came after the trade to Toronto in 2021. On November 16, 2021, Berríos signed a seven-year, $131 million extension with the Blue Jays.

The contract included a $5 million signing bonus and a salary scale: $10 million in 2022, $15 million in 2023, $17 million in 2024, and $18 million in 2025.

The deal runs through 2028. It gives Berríos long-term security and Toronto a reliable starter.

Toronto’s willingness to commit that much money says a lot about their belief in Berríos.

His current annual salary of $15 million reflects his established status.

Free Agency Considerations

Even with his long-term deal, there’s some potential flexibility in the contract. Opt-out clauses and player options are pretty common these days, though specifics about Berríos’s deal aren’t widely shared.

If he keeps pitching well, he could renegotiate or test free agency, depending on the contract details and market trends.

The MLB market for starting pitchers keeps climbing, with top arms earning $30 million or more per year.

Berríos, born in 1994, is in his prime at age 31 in 2025. His contract takes him through age 34, covering his best years.

Career Earnings, Net Worth, and Endorsements

Berríos has built real wealth in MLB, first with the Twins and now with the Blue Jays.

His financial picture includes a long-term contract, a growing net worth, and some endorsement deals.

Estimated Net Worth Growth

Berríos has stacked up a solid net worth during his career. Current estimates put him at about $10 million as of 2024, but some sources claim it could be as high as $142 million.

His wealth jumped after signing that 7-year, $131 million contract with Toronto.

The deal included a $5 million signing bonus and is fully guaranteed.

For 2025, Berríos is earning a base salary of $15 million. Some reports say his yearly income is closer to $17 million.

That works out to about $327,000 per week. Not bad at all.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Berríos is best known for his pitching, but he’s picked up some endorsement deals too.

The Puerto Rican starter, known as “La Makina” (The Machine), has used his growing popularity to land sponsorships.

We don’t see many public numbers, but experts say endorsements make up a modest, growing chunk of his income.

He’s worked with baseball equipment companies and some regional brands in Toronto and Puerto Rico.

Berríos keeps an active social media presence, which helps his personal brand and attracts sponsors.

His marketability gets a boost from his consistency, durability, and reputation as a hard worker.

On-Field Performance and Comparisons

José Berríos has made a name for himself as a consistent MLB starter. He’s delivered memorable games and matched up well against top hitters and fellow pitchers.

His stats show off his durability and effectiveness.

Career Statistics and ERA Analysis

Berríos has been a workhorse, rarely missing a start.

At Target Field, he became the winningest pitcher in the stadium’s history. He picked up his 33rd victory there before Kyle Gibson tied him.

His ERA has gone up and down over the years. He’s had some excellent seasons and some rough patches.

Berríos relies on his curveball and fastball. When he’s on, he gets plenty of swings and misses, and a lot of weak contact.

During the 2022-2023 seasons, Berríos sharpened his command. He helped stabilize the Blue Jays rotation, working alongside Kevin Gausman.

His ability to eat innings makes him a huge asset for Toronto.

Notable Peers and Competitors

Inside the Blue Jays organization, Berríos teams up with Kevin Gausman to form a strong rotation. Together, they take on the challenge of facing the heavy-hitting lineups in the AL East.

Berríos often finds himself pitching against top-tier hitters like Wander Franco from the Rays and his old Twins teammate, Carlos Correa. These matchups have delivered some pretty memorable moments, and Berríos likes to keep hitters guessing by mixing up his pitches.

Across Major League Baseball, people regularly compare Berríos to other pitchers with similar contracts and expectations. He doesn’t quite reach the elite level of aces or big-name position players like Corey Seager, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., or Fernando Tatis Jr., but he’s carved out a spot as a reliable mid-rotation starter who sometimes shows flashes of something more.

George Springer and Francisco Lindor, two other high-priced stars, also face the pressure to perform up to the size of their contracts.

Legacy, Impact, and Personal Life

José Berríos has built a legacy that goes beyond just baseball stats. His career, his work in the community, and his family life all show a guy who’s dedicated—not just to the game, but to making a difference and staying grounded.

Achievements and Awards

People call Berríos “La Makina” (The Machine), and for good reason. He’s earned a reputation as one of the most dependable starting pitchers in the majors.

He’s picked up multiple All-Star selections, which says a lot about his consistency and the respect he gets from around the league.

The Minnesota Twins drafted him 32nd overall in 2012. He made his way up the ranks pretty quickly, and soon, folks started seeing him as one of the best pitchers from Puerto Rico in the big leagues.

When the Toronto Blue Jays traded for him, they didn’t hesitate to show their belief in his talent. They signed him to a seven-year, $131 million contract, which is a massive vote of confidence.

His pitch mix and work ethic catch the attention of teammates and rivals alike. He’s earned a reputation as a tough competitor, no doubt about it.

Community Involvement

Berríos really values representing Puerto Rico on the global stage. After Hurricane Maria hit in 2017, he jumped in to help with relief efforts, raising money and awareness for rebuilding back home.

He’s also gotten involved in community programs in Toronto, joining Blue Jays outreach events that help grow youth baseball. He shows up at clinics, offering tips and encouragement to young players hoping to follow in his footsteps.

Berríos uses his platform to support:

• Youth sports
• Education
• Disaster relief
• Health and wellness

He understands the impact pro athletes can have outside the stadium. Even with a packed baseball schedule, he finds time to connect with fans and lend a hand to causes that matter to him.

Personal Interests and Family

Berríos was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, on May 27, 1994. He keeps close ties to his roots, no matter where baseball takes him.

His family means everything to him. They support him through every twist and turn of his career.

You’ll often find Berríos juggling the hectic life of a baseball player with moments at home. When the season ends, he heads back to Puerto Rico, eager to see his extended family and soak up the atmosphere of home.

He’s famous for his intense training routine. Berríos likes to post snippets of his workouts on social media, and honestly, it’s hard not to feel motivated watching him push himself.

His net worth of approximately $142 million says a lot about his success. Still, people around him—teammates, coaches—say he stays humble.

When he gets a break from baseball, Berríos enjoys being outdoors, listening to music, and cooking up classic Puerto Rican dishes.