José Berríos and Javier Báez are two Puerto Rican ballplayers from Bayamón who share something deeper than an island: their wives are sisters. Yet on the diamond, they are fierce competitors. In two consecutive All-Star Games, Berríos dominated Báez on the mound, but on July 1, 2022, Báez hit a home run off him that manager A.J. Hinch joked would become mandatory dinner table talk at the family’s Christmas celebrations.
In-Laws Without Blood Ties
The connection between these two All-Stars doesn’t come from traditional family roots. Their wives are sisters, making them brothers-in-law and creating a unique dynamic in Major League Baseball. Both were born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, a municipality that has produced dozens of professional ballplayers, but their paths in baseball have been completely independent until family brought them together.
Mound Dominance: Berríos vs. Báez
On the field, the story is pure rivalry. Berríos, an elite pitcher, faced Báez in two consecutive All-Star Games and dominated him both times. The Puerto Rican right-hander’s command over the infielder was evident in those summer showcase matchups. But baseball has a way of balancing things out: on July 1, 2022, when both were playing for their respective teams, Báez connected for a home run off Berríos that shifted the narrative of that season.
The Manager’s Joke That Says It All
After that home run, A.J. Hinch, who was managing the Houston Astros at the time, quipped that the family’s Christmas dinners would revolve around that at-bat. It was the perfect way to capture the friendly tension between these two brothers-in-law: on the field they are relentless competitors, but at home they share the table with their sister wives. That blend of sports rivalry and family bond is what makes the Berríos-Báez story unique.
José Berríos’ Major League Career
Berríos has been one of the most consistent pitchers of his generation. His MLB career has taken him to multiple All-Star selections and established him as a rotation ace for teams including the Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays, and Houston Astros. His dominance on the mound, especially against elite hitters like Javier Báez, has cemented him as one of the best Puerto Rican pitchers of the modern era.
| How They Met | Through their wives, who are sisters |
| Family Connection | Brothers-in-law by marriage |
| Hometown | Bayamón, Puerto Rico (both) |
| Key Rivalry Moment | July 1, 2022: Báez’s home run off Berríos |
| All-Star Game Matchups | Two consecutive, both won by Berríos on the mound |
| Wives’ Occupation | Not public |
FAQ
Are Berríos and Báez blood relatives?
No. They are brothers-in-law because their wives are sisters. Both were born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, but have no direct family relation.
Who won more matchups between them?
In All-Star Games, Berríos dominated Báez in two consecutive appearances. However, on July 1, 2022, Báez connected for a memorable home run off him.
How does family affect their on-field rivalry?
According to manager A.J. Hinch’s joke, these moments of sports rivalry become conversation pieces at family Christmas dinners, blending competition with family bonds.
