MLB: Jordan Romano could return to Toronto

The Toronto Blue Jays are still interested in the services of Jordan Romano, according to the journalist from TSN Scott Mitchell.

The 31-year-old tight end specialist did not receive a qualifying offer from the Jays before the Nov. 22 deadline, making him a free agent.

General manager Ross Atkins, however, revealed to the media that he expects the 6’5 player to be healthy for the start of spring camp and that he is interested in seeing him again.

“It was a very difficult decision,” admitted the CEO. On a personal level, what he means to this city, this country, this team, what he accomplished… So it was very difficult for us.

“We remain interested and we will try to bring him back. »

The Ontarian had a difficult 2024 season. He had just eight saves with a 6.59 ERA in just 15 games.

He was limited by numerous injuries, including one to his elbow which ended his season on July 2 after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure. His absence was initially estimated to last around six weeks, but he did not progress enough to return to the game.

Romano ranks third in Blue Jays history with 105 saves, behind Tom Henke (217) and Duane Ward (121). He made his debut in June 2019 and spent his entire career of six seasons with the Toronto team.

Atkins, who held a 25-minute media availability with Toronto media, said he still sees “a lot of opportunity” for the team.

“We believe there are many ways to make our team better,” he said. It appears there are options in the market and at all levels that are still possible for the organization. We don’t have unlimited resources, obviously, but we have the potential to improve the team with free agents or trades.

“As for timing, it’s hard to say. We could do something tomorrow, [mais] it might also take longer. It could take days or weeks for a transaction to occur. »

Atkins has a long shopping list to try to help the team climb out of last place in the always-competitive American League East.

The Blue Jays’ backup is remarkably weak, the offense desperately needs a boost and another quality starting pitcher would provide some depth to the rotation. Furthermore, two stars developed by the organization, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, only have one season remaining on their contracts.

After making the first round three times in four years, the Blue Jays were sellers at the trade deadline last summer and went 74-88.

With the team’s competitive window in danger of closing, the pressure is squarely on Atkins to turn things around. But first, we must wait to know the fate of Juan Soto, the best player on the free agent market.

Soto, who helped lead the New York Yankees to the World Series, is expected to sign a lucrative long-term contract. According to reports, the 26-year-old is considering offers from five teams: the Blue Jays, Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox.

“I will not comment specifically on our approach or lack of approach,” said Atkins. Interest is obviously present from all 30 teams. »

Once Soto decides, teams should look to the other big names on the market. These include pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, outfielders Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernandez, and infielders Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman.