Blue Jays acquire Jose Berrios for Simeon Woods Richardson and Austin Martin

THINGS ARE HAPPENING!!! AHHHHHHHH!

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Blue Jays have acquired right-handed starting pitcher Jose Berrios from the Minnesota Twins…

Berrios is a two-time All-Star and has been Minnesota’s top starter over the past few years. This season, he’s made 20 starts, has tossed 121 2/3 innings, has a 3.48 ERA, and is striking out 9.3 batters per nine while walking 2.4 per nine. He’s also under control for one more season before he can hit free agency.

It looks like Austin Martin, last year’s No. 5 overall pick, and Simeon Woods Richardson, the high-upside arm that the team got in the Marcus Stroman deal two years ago, is the return going back to Minnesota…

That’s… certainly a lot to give up! Martin is Toronto’s No. 2 prospect according to MLB Pipeline and Woods Richards ranks No. 4.

The two of them have been playing for the Double-A Fisher Cats this season to mixed results. Woods Richardson has a 5.76 ERA over 11 starts, but there’s some speculation he’s struggling to find a groove as he’s also been playing for the United States Olympic team. Martin is slashing a .281/.424/.383 line, featuring an impressive on-base tool, but his lack of power is somewhat concerning.

But, hey, you have to give to get and the front office is leaning into giving this team a chance to win. The Blue Jays have gone through hell over the past couple of years and they deserve that kind of investment finally playing in front of their home fans.

Also, remember, Berrios isn’t a rental. He’s under control for next season, meaning this isn’t a David Price you-gotta-capitalize-now-or-it’s-a-waste situation. Flags fly forever.

ALSO…

The Tyler Chatwood era has come to an end. He was great for a while and then he wasn’t. Sail on.