Blue Jays: Jose Berrios – 2022 Cy Young Candidate

He’s a Workhorse

Times have changed for Major League starting pitchers. The days of valuable guys giving you 200 innings a year are no more. Back then, these pitchers were an essential cog in a pitching staff. Someone like Mark Buerhle was able to give the Blue Jays peace of mind, knowing that he was a guy that wasn’t going to get hurt and give them at least five innings every start. Not many of these pitchers remain. Conveniently, the Blue Jays have one of them.

Berrios has been a workhorse so far in his short career. Per 162 game season, since he was 24, he’s averaged 204 innings pitched per season. Looking at this past season he was second in the American League in innings pitched with 192. The first-place finisher? Cy Young award winner Robbie Ray, who finished with 193.1. In an era where innings pitched aren’t as plentiful, players who provide them with regularity stand out from others. Berrios is projected to produce a high innings total for next season by Fangraphs. Despite the typically conservative projections, Fangraphs loves Berrios’ past consistency and durability and expects him to be a regular contributor in the rotation. They project him to throw 196 innings next season, four more innings than this past season.

Berrios’ ability to stay on the field could benefit him in Cy Young consideration. Since his major league debut, he’s avoided the injured list and has been ready to go week after week. The ability to give the Blue Jays innings gives him a leg over other competition, who might not be as reliable.