Blue Jays Shake Up Bullpen: Non-Tender All-Star Closer Jordan Romano

 

SAT NOV 23RD - TORONTO: In a surprising move, the Toronto Blue Jays announced Friday that they have non-tendered two-time All-Star closer Jordan Romano and right-hander Dillon Tate. The decision makes Romano, 31, a free agent following a challenging season plagued by injuries.  

Romano, a native of Markham, Ontario, missed the majority of the 2024 campaign due to an elbow injury that required surgery in August. He finished the season with a career-worst 6.59 ERA across just 15 appearances. However, his overall body of work in the big league remains impressive, a 2.90 ERA, 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings, and 105 saves across six seasons. Romano was projected to earn $7.75 million through arbitration, a price the Blue Jays deemed too steep given the uncertainty surrounding his recovery.  

Tate, 30, also failed to secure his spot after a lacklustre season, as Toronto opted to tender contracts to all other arbitration-eligible players. 

A Bullpen in Need of Repair 

The Blue Jays bullpen was a glaring weakness in 2024, finishing second to last in the MLB with a 4.82 ERA and ranking dead last in WAR (-2.5). Now, with Romano gone, Toronto is left without a clear closer, raising questions about how the team plans to address its pitching depth in 2025. 

The bullpen currently consists of familiar faces like Chad Green, Erik Swanson, Zach Pop and Brendon Little, along with less-established options like Ryan Burr, Tommy Nance, Hagen Danner and Nick Robertson. While Green and Swanson have late-inning experience, there is no clear closer, and none of the relievers on the current roster have demonstrated consistent dominance. The group lacks a reliable anchor, leaving significant questions about how Toronto plans to address its largest weakness. 

What's Next for Romano? 

Romano's proven track record and All-Star talent will definitely make him one of the top relievers on the free-agent market. Teams like the LA Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers all of who need bullpen help, could be logical fits. With a fresh start and time to recover fully, Romano could return to his elite form and play a pivotal role on a contending team's success.  

Blue Jays Offseason Plans 

The non-tendering of Romano signals that the Blue Jays are ready to make bold moves after a disappointing 2024 season. General Manager Ross Atkins has already hinted at the need for a more balanced roster. While the team hasn't directly linked to any specific relievers, high profile options like Josh Hader could be appealing to Toronto if ownership is willing to spend. Hader, widely regarded as one of the best closers in the game, is expected to command a significant deal in free agency.  

Some other potential options are exploring the trade market, with names like David Bednar (Pirates), Ryan Helsley (Cardinals), Alexis Diaz (Reds) or Devin Williams (Brewers) potentially available for the right price. However, any significant acquisition will likely require parting with top prospects or young talent, a prospect that could make fans nervous. 

The Road Ahead

Losing a homegrown talent like Romano is a tough pill to swallow, especially for a bullpen in desperate need of stability and reliability. However, the Blue Jays seem intent on reshaping their roster and addressing their bullpen woes head-on. 

With an aggressive offseason strategy, a strong core of position players, and renewed urgency to compete in the AL East, fans should expect a flurry of moves in the coming months. The question now is whether Toronto can find the right combination of talent and depth to turn their liability into an asset.