Interesting Update Regarding Blue Jays & Jordan Romano

The Toronto Blue Jays are pursuing a reunion with closer Jordan Romano after non-tendering him earlier this offseason. 

Romano, who hails from Markham, Ontario, was a dominant force in the Jays’ bullpen from 2021 to 2023, collecting 95 saves with a 2.37 ERA. 

However, his 2024 season was cut short by elbow issues, leading to a 6.59 ERA over just 15 appearances before undergoing arthroscopic surgery in July. 

Despite these setbacks, General Manager Ross Atkins remains confident in Romano’s ability to rebound. “I have no concerns. I feel like he will be back physically. We remain interested in him and will be heavily pursuing his return,” Atkins said.

Non-tendering Jordan Romano was a “very difficult” decision, according to Ross Atkins, who says Blue Jays remain interested in their longtime closer and are “heavily pursuing” a reunion.

“We have no medical concerns,” Atkins said.

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) December 3, 2024

The decision to non-tender Romano was primarily financial. 

The closer was projected to earn $7.75 million through arbitration, a figure deemed too risky given his injury-plagued season. 

By allowing him to test free agency, the Blue Jays now have the opportunity to negotiate a potentially incentive-laden deal that balances their financial considerations with Romano’s value. 

Comparable deals for injured relievers in recent years suggest that Romano, despite his health concerns, will draw interest from other teams in need of bullpen reinforcements. Atkins’ public remarks suggest Toronto is ready to compete in the open market to bring back their hometown star.

Jordan Romano left it all on the field for his team and country 🇨🇦

But he was overused resulting in injury.

He deserved better. pic.twitter.com/naoDLDYfUQ

— Blue Jays Dad (@BlueJaysDad) November 22, 2024

For the Blue Jays, re-signing Romano could address one of their biggest weaknesses after their bullpen finished with the second-worst ERA in MLB at 4.82 in 2024. 

Photo Credit:  Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images