After earning back-to-back All-Star nods in 2022 and 2023, closer Jordan Romano established himself as one of baseball’s premier relievers. However, his 2024 season was derailed by injuries, prompting the Toronto Blue Jays to make a surprising move: non-tendering Romano and allowing him to enter free agency, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
In Romano’s absence, Chad Green stepped up, securing 17 saves across 53 appearances. While Romano had logged 36 saves in each of his previous two full seasons, his 2024 performance faltered. Over just 15 games, he pitched 13.2 innings with a 6.59 ERA, 1.463 WHIP, and troubling increases in key metrics, including a 2.6 HR9 and 10.5 H9.
Blue Jays Eye Big Moves: Could Juan Soto Be Next?
The Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as a potential contender in the race for Juan Soto, one of baseball’s most sought-after stars. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Blue Jays are willing to spend big to land the superstar, positioning themselves among top suitors like the Mets.
“Don’t hold me to this—it could change daily,” Heyman said. “But right now, I’d say it comes down to money. The teams with the biggest budgets—like the Mets and, possibly, the Blue Jays—are the most likely to win the bidding war.”
However, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal offers a more cautious perspective, suggesting the Blue Jays might not secure Soto due to internal uncertainties.
“The futures of team president Mark Shapiro (contracted through 2025) and general manager Ross Atkins (through 2026) add to the questions surrounding the club,” Rosenthal noted. “Still, their ambition is clear. After attempting to land Shohei Ohtani last offseason and Soto via trade, they’re determined to make a splash.”
The allure of Soto is undeniable for the Blue Jays. A pairing of Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would form a lethal offensive duo, rivaling the impact of Soto alongside Aaron Judge. Intriguingly, Guerrero is younger than both Soto and Judge, adding to the long-term appeal of such a move.
With the Blue Jays at a crossroads, their willingness to pursue high-profile acquisitions could reshape the team’s trajectory for years to come.
