The Blue Jays have signed an extension with star right-hander Jose Berrios, covering the 2022-2028 seasons, pending a physical. He will be guaranteed $131 mil over the length of the deal. Berrios will opt-out after the fifth year of the deal and has limited no-trade protection.

At July’s trade deadline, the 27-year-old was acquired from the Twins, set to reach free agency after the 2022 season. Instead, the Blue Jays will keep him around for an extended stay, hoping that he anchors their rotation well into the future. This extension runs through 2028, which will be his age-34 season.

Before that trade, Berrios had spent his entire career in the Twins organization since they selected him in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft.

Berrios could be a solid No. 2 starter for the Blue Jays. We don’t know what will happen with Robbie Ray; therefore, the Jays needed to wine and dine Berrios. Jays have the offense, but they need pitching to win titles. Blue Jays need to start focusing more on the pitching aspect this offseason.