Dunedin, Fla. — Coming off a season where inconsistency was the norm, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jose Berrios has been working on a number of mechanical changes in recent weeks to get back on track.
Berrios was remarkably stable in his first five full-time seasons in the big leagues. He showed flashes of brilliance last year but also came up with firepower on a few occasions.
He posted a 12–7 record with 149 strikeouts, but his earned run average (5.23) was his highest since his rookie season with Minnesota in 2016.
“I think we’re in a great spot where his stuff plays out,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Saturday. “I’ve said it forever: His track record speaks for itself. We’re comfortable and he’s comfortable where he is with everything.
“So just really looking forward to a regular year out of him.”
The 28-year-old right-hander has been making daily adjustments in spring training to improve his movement. He’s now working off the center of the rubber, pushing off more with his back foot and keeping his stride firmly on the side of the glove as he lengthens his stride.
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“I believe in myself,” Berrios said. “I feel secure in what I am doing so far and I feel beautiful (good). So I am comfortable and confident.
“Now I just have to go out there and compete and do my job.”
Sporting a new look with dyed blonde hair, Berrios arrived in Florida last month to begin preparations for a busy pre-season. He is scheduled to represent Puerto Rico in next month’s World Baseball Classic.
The Puerto Rican players dyed their hair blonde in 2017 when they reached the WBC finals before falling to the United States.
“We started this year,” he said with a smile. “We always do something to create that good chemistry.”
Berrios spent parts of six seasons with the Twins before being dealt to Toronto midway through the 2021 campaign. He signed a seven-year extension with the Blue Jays worth US$131 million that fall.
It was the second richest deal in franchise history behind the $150 million, six-year contract signed by outfielder George Springer earlier that year.
Berrios is one of four Toronto locks, joining Alec Manoh, Kevin Gossman and newcomer Chris Bassitt.
“I want to bring more to my team and to the table,” Berrios said. “I’m working very hard to get better.”
Berrios only lasted one-third of an inning in his first start last season and was 1–2 with a 7.01 ERA in the month of May.
He delivered a 13-strikeout performance against his former team in early June and followed it up with an eight-inning gem against the Detroit Tigers. But he gave up at least six earned runs in two of his next three starts.
This was the story of his season. Adept at times, appears to be lost at others.
Berrios said he never gave up during the bad times and learned a lot from his experience.
He said, “Never give a hitter more credit than they can give me.” “Just believe in myself. I’m Jose Berrios and I’m here because I’m doing great things (on the field).
“I still have to believe in him and just keep improving (and) I know I’ll be good at the end of the day.”
The Puerto Rico team is led by Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor and Javier Baez. Canada will play in Pool C with the US, Colombia, Great Britain and Mexico from March 11 to 15 in Phoenix.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on February 18, 2023.
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