The Toronto Blue Jays made a surprising move on Friday by non-tendering two-time All-Star closer Jordan Romano, rendering the 31-year-old right-hander a free agent. Romano, who made his MLB debut with Toronto in 2019, has been a critical part of the bullpen with 105 career saves over 231 appearances. However, a challenging 2024 season marked by injuries ultimately led to his departure.
Romano’s performance last season was a stark contrast to his peak years. After securing 36 saves in both 2022 and 2023 and earning All-Star honors, he struggled in 2024, posting a 6.59 ERA in just 14 games before undergoing season-ending elbow surgery in July. Despite his injury woes, his departure leaves a significant gap in Toronto's bullpen.
The Canadian-born pitcher earned $7.75 million last season but was unable to replicate his prior dominance. His release signals a potential shift in strategy for the Blue Jays as they look to rebuild their pitching staff for the upcoming season. Fans are left speculating whether Romano’s injury history overshadowed his previous success.
In addition to cutting Romano, the Blue Jays non-tendered right-hander Dillon Tate, who joined the team midseason. Tate had a forgettable stint in Toronto, posting a 5.40 ERA in just four appearances after a mediocre season with Baltimore. At 30, his future in the majors is uncertain.
Meanwhile, the team secured a one-year deal worth $3 million with reliever Erik Swanson. Despite a subpar 2024 campaign with a 5.03 ERA in 45 appearances, Swanson is expected to take on a more prominent role in the bullpen. The Blue Jays’ moves highlight their intent to rework their pitching lineup as they prepare for the 2025 season.
