José Orlando Berríos, nicknamed “La Makina” (Spanish for “The Machine”), is a Puerto Rican professional baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball. Born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, on May 27, 1994, Berríos has established himself as one of the most consistent starting pitchers in the American League. He made his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2016 after being selected in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft. Over his career, Berríos has earned recognition as a two-time All-Star and won a Gold Glove Award in 2023 for his defensive excellence. He has represented Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic twice, helping his nation win silver medals in both the 2013 and 2017 tournaments.
Early Life and Background
José Orlando Berríos was born on May 27, 1994, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, a city known for producing numerous professional baseball players. Growing up in Puerto Rico, Berríos developed a passion for baseball at a young age, honing his skills on the island’s fields before attracting attention from MLB scouts. His talent was evident early, as he demonstrated both the arm strength and composure that would later define his professional career. Berríos attended high school in Puerto Rico, where his performance as a pitcher caught the eye of major league teams during showcases and tournament play.
The young hurler’s progress through Puerto Rico’s youth baseball system provided him with a strong foundation. He played competitively against other talented players from the Caribbean island, gaining experience that would prove invaluable as he advanced through the minor leagues. Berríos was known for his competitive spirit and work ethic from an early age, qualities that would help him navigate the challenges ahead in professional baseball.
Path to Major League Baseball
The Minnesota Twins selected José Berríos in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft with the 32nd overall pick. The selection represented a significant milestone for the young Puerto Rican pitcher, as he began his journey toward achieving his dream of pitching in the major leagues. The Twins identified Berríos as a promising talent with the potential to develop into a frontline starting pitcher, and they invested heavily in his development.
After signing with the Twins, Berríos began his professional career that same season in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League. He impressed immediately, posting a 3-0 record with a remarkable 1.17 earned run average in over 30 innings pitched while striking out 49 batters. His dominant performance earned him a promotion to the Elizabethton Twins of the Appalachian League by August. The rapid ascent through the system signaled that Berríos was ahead of schedule in his development timeline.
Berríos continued to climb the minor league ladder over the next several seasons. He played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in Single-A during 2013, then advanced through the Fort Myers Miracle and New Britain Rock Cats in subsequent years. By 2015, he had reached Triple-A Rochester, where he posted outstanding numbers with a 14-5 record and a 2.87 ERA across two affiliates. His consistent dominance in the minors convinced the Twins that he was ready for the majors.
Minnesota Twins Career (2016-2021)
Rookie Season and Early Development (2016-2017)
The Twins promoted Berríos to make his major league debut on April 27, 2016. Prior to his promotion, he had been excellent at Rochester, compiling a 2-0 record with a 1.06 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 18 innings pitched. The debut represented the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice for the young Puerto Rican. However, his first stint in the majors was challenging, as he struggled to adjust to major league hitters, going 3-7 with an 8.02 ERA in 14 starts for Minnesota that season.
Berríos spent much of 2016 shuttling between Rochester and Minnesota as the Twins carefully managed his development. His performance at the Triple-A level remained exceptional, with a 10-5 record and 2.51 ERA in 17 starts there. The Twins used a deliberate approach, allowing him to work through his struggles while maintaining confidence in his long-term potential. The experience of facing major league lineups, even during difficult stretches, proved invaluable for his eventual adjustment to the highest level.
All-Star Breakthrough (2018-2019)
The 2018 season marked Berríos’s breakthrough as a frontline major league pitcher. He made his first start of the season on April 1 against the Baltimore Orioles and pitched a complete game three-hit shutout with six strikeouts, leading the Twins to a 7-0 victory. The dominant performance announced his arrival as one of the American League’s top young pitchers. On April 12, he tied his career high with 11 strikeouts in a 4-0 win over the Chicago White Sox.
A particularly memorable moment came on April 18, 2018, when Berríos started a game in his native Puerto Rico before a sold-out crowd at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. He pitched five strikeouts and no walks in seven scoreless innings, becoming only the second Puerto Rican pitcher to start a regular-season MLB game at that stadium. The historic start drew national attention in Puerto Rico and cemented Berríos’s status as a hero in his home country.
With an 8-7 record and 3.54 ERA over 18 starts, Berríos was selected to his first MLB All-Star Game in 2018. He was the only Twins player chosen for the All-Star Game that year. In the All-Star Game itself, Berríos pitched one scoreless fifth inning, earning a hold in the American League’s victory. He finished the 2018 season with a 12-11 record, 3.84 ERA, and 202 strikeouts over 32 starts, leading the American League in complete games and complete game shutouts.
In 2019, Berríos continued his ascent by earning the Opening Day start for the Twins against the Cleveland Indians. He pitched 7 and two-thirds innings, allowing no runs while striking out 10 batters and earning the victory in a 2-0 Twins win. He was selected to his second consecutive All-Star Game in July and finished the season with a 14-8 record, 3.68 ERA, and 195 strikeouts in over 200 innings pitched. The two All-Star selections established Berríos as one of the most reliable pitchers in the American League.
Final Years in Minnesota (2020-2021)
The 2020 season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Berríos remained a steady presence in the Twins rotation. He appeared in 12 games, compiling a 5-4 record with a 4.00 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 63 innings pitched. The shortened season provided unique challenges for all players, but Berríos adapted to the unusual circumstances while continuing to develop his craft. His consistency helped the Twins remain competitive despite the disrupted schedule.
In 2021, his final season with Minnesota, Berríos appeared in 20 games before being traded. He compiled a 7-5 record with a 3.48 ERA and 126 strikeouts in 121 and two-thirds innings pitched. His performance kept the Twins in contention throughout the first half of the season and demonstrated that he was among the most valuable pitchers available as the trade deadline approached.
Toronto Blue Jays Career (2021-Present)
Trade and Extension (2021)
On July 30, 2021, the Twins traded Berríos to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for prospects Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson. The trade marked the end of an era for Berríos, who had spent his entire professional career with the Twins organization. He made an immediate impact with his new team, going 5-4 with a 3.58 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 70 and one-third innings across 12 regular season starts.
Following the season, Berríos agreed to a seven-year, $131 million contract extension with the Blue Jays on November 16, 2021. The deal was finalized two days later and represented a significant commitment by Toronto to their new ace. The extension kept Berríos in a Blue Jays uniform through the 2028 season and established him as a central figure in the team’s championship aspirations.
Blue Jays Era (2022-Present)
In 2022, his first full season with the Blue Jays, Berríos compiled a 12-7 record with a 5.23 ERA. While his win total improved, his peripheral numbers indicated a challenging year, as hitters batted .288 against him with a .804 OPS, the highest average and OPS allowed by any qualified pitcher in MLB that season. Berríos worked through mechanical adjustments throughout the year to找回 his form.
The 2023 season saw Berríos earn his first Gold Glove Award, recognizing his excellence in defensive pitching. He ended the season with an 11-12 record and 3.65 ERA with 184 strikeouts in 189 and two-thirds innings pitched. The Gold Glove Award was particularly meaningful as it acknowledged his contributions beyond traditional statistics, demonstrating his value as a complete pitcher who helped his team defensively.
Berríos enjoyed a strong 2024 season with the Blue Jays, appearing in 32 games and compiling a 16-11 record with a 3.60 ERA and 153 strikeouts in 192 and one-third innings pitched. The 16 wins represented a career high and demonstrated his ability to be a workhorse starter who could pitch deep into games and give his team a chance to win every five days. His consistent performance helped the Blue Jays remain in playoff contention throughout the summer months.
Notable Career Moments
Throughout his career, Berríos has accumulated several significant milestones. On April 7, 2025, he logged his 100th career win as a pitcher, working seven innings while allowing four hits and one run against the Boston Red Sox. He struck out two batters and walked three in the victory, becoming the fifth Puerto Rican-born pitcher to reach the 100-win milestone. The achievement highlighted his longevity and consistency as a starting pitcher in the major leagues.
Berríos has also been recognized as a workhorse pitcher who consistently pitches deep into games. His ability to miss bats while maintaining solid command has made him a valuable asset for every team he has played for. His competitive nature and focus on preparation have helped him maintain a high level of performance even when dealing with adversity or tough defensive support.
International Career
Berríos has proudly represented Puerto Rico on the international stage, participating in two World Baseball Classic tournaments. He played for the Puerto Rican national team in both the 2013 and 2017 tournaments, helping his country win silver medals in each competition. His willingness to represent Puerto Rico during the tournament demonstrated his commitment to his heritage and his desire to help his nation achieve baseball success on the global stage. Berríos announced his intention to participate in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, seeking a third opportunity to compete for his country.
Family and Personal Life
Berríos is married to Jannieliz Márquez. The couple has two sons and one daughter together, forming a close family unit that has supported Berríos throughout his baseball career. His wife comes from a baseball family, as she is the sister of Irmarie Márquez, who is married to Javier Báez, an infielder for the Detroit Tigers. The family connection links two of Puerto Rico’s most prominent current MLB players, creating a extended baseball family that frequently intersects at games and events.
Off the field, Berríos is known for his philanthropy and commitment to giving back to his community. Following Hurricane Maria, which caused massive damage to Puerto Rico in September 2017, Berríos traveled to his hometown of Bayamón during the offseason to deliver water, food, and other supplies to people in need. The charitable effort demonstrated his gratitude for the community that helped shape him into the player and person he became.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Berríos was named the Opening Day starter for the Toronto Blue Jays against the Baltimore Orioles on March 27. The Opening Day assignment reflected his standing as one of the team’s most reliable pitchers and a leader in the clubhouse. However, his first start of the season proved challenging, as he pitched five innings while allowing nine hits and six runs against a potent Orioles lineup.
Despite the difficult Opening Day performance, Berríos bounced back strongly throughout April. His most significant moment came on April 7 when he earned his 100th career win, becoming the fifth Puerto Rican-born pitcher to reach that milestone. The historic victory was celebrated throughout the Puerto Rican baseball community and underscored Berríos’s status as one of the most accomplished pitchers from the island in recent memory. The Blue Jays looked to Berríos to provide veteran leadership and stability at the top of their rotation as the season progressed.