Ohtani's 'tasty' news gets Berríos' charity event buzzing

CAROLINA, Puerto Rico -- During the past week of preparation for his first big charity event back home, Blue Jays right-hander José Berríos was constantly checking his phone just like everyone else in anticipation of where Shohei Ohtani might sign. For a while, it seemed like there was a strong possibility the two-way superstar would become his new teammate.

Once Berríos pulled up to Estadio Roberto Clemente Walker on Saturday for his La Gente de Barrio Home Run Derby and Celebrity Softball Game, the world seemingly stopped for a few moments. Ohtani’s own announcement that he was signing with the Dodgers dropped at around 4:05 p.m. local time, about the time Berríos entered the clubhouse.

After some time to process what could have been, Berríos took the field for pregame warmups and was naturally asked about the earth-shaking news.

“We were close,” Berríos said of the Blue Jays’ pursuit of Ohtani. “But it’s fine. It would have been nice having him on the home team and not having to worry. It gives me a headache right now just thinking about how I have to pitch to him. Now I have to think about him.”

Ohtani’s pact with Los Angeles is reportedly worth $700 million over 10 years, which is believed to be richest contract in the history of professional sports. Berríos, who two years ago signed a seven-year, $131 million contract extension with Toronto, views the historic deal as a trailblazing moment.

“Tasty,” Berríos said when asked for a reaction to the record-breaking deal. “[Ohtani] continues to open doors for us, and that’s what we want. This man carries the torch, and those who follow him will come out better for it. Not to say that we are going to surpass $700 million, but we could come close.”

Mets closer Edwin Díaz, one of several MLB stars participating in Berríos’ event, said if any player is worthy of such an eye-opening amount of money, it’s Ohtani, a three-time All-Star and the only player in baseball history to unanimously win the MVP award twice.

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“He’s the best player right now because he does both pitching and hitting well, so he deserves it,” Díaz said. “This is something new for baseball. He continues to open the doors for young players coming up that are phenomenal like him. Perhaps, one day, they can reach those [dollar] figures.”

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., whose VG27 foundation teamed up with Berríos’ La Makina Foundation for Saturday’s event, was not too concerned with the Ohtani buzz when asked about it on Friday night.

“Those are negotiations and I don’t get involved in that,” Guerrero said. “If we sign Ohtani, of course, I would be happy. But I’m not engaged at all with what is happening. I’m focused on my job for the upcoming season.”