Blue Jays could be cutting ties with Romano and two others: report

The Toronto Blue Jays may be a much different-looking ball club by the time the 2025 season rolls around.

After finishing the 2024 season with an AL-East worst 74-88 record, general manager Ross Atkins is well aware that big changes are needed.

The Blue Jays, who need improvements in nearly every position heading into 2025, have been linked to some of the best free agents on the market this offseason. Adding one or perhaps two would give their roster a much different dynamic, though it may be far from the only changes made.

The Blue Jays’ bullpen may have been the biggest concern of all areas last season. It ranked among the worst of all 30 teams in the MLB and is in complete need of an overhaul. According to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, an overhaul seems likely to happen, with perhaps even closer Jordan Romano not being brought back.

“You could non-tender Erik Swanson, I think that’s something that they’re giving consideration to,” Nicholson-Smith said on The JD Bunkis Podcast. “Dillon Tate is very likely to be non-tendered, in my opinion. And then Jordan Romano… If he can get off the mound and is throwing 98, 99, then maybe he’s tendered a contract. But, if he’s throwing 93, 94, I think the chances that he’s non-tendered would go up.

As Nicholson alluded to, Romano is currently in Dunedin throwing a bullpen session. The 31-year-old underwent season-ending surgery in July to repair an impingement in his right elbow. He had really struggled prior to the procedure, posting a 6.59 ERA through 13.2 innings.

Should the Blue Jays elect to move on from Romano, you can’t help but wonder if Tanner Scott is on their radar. The 30-year-old served as the closer for the Miami Marlins this season before being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In that role, he put up a minuscule 1.18 ERA in 45.2 innings. Thanks to his great season, he’s arguably the best reliever available in free agency.

As for other changes, it sounds as though the Blue Jays are considering moving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. back to third base. Of course, that isn’t on fans’ minds nearly as much as transactions that could be made during free agency, but it will be an interesting tidbit to follow as we approach the 2025 season.

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