The Toronto Blue Jays have quite a few players headed for salary arbitration this off-season including relief pitcher Jordan Romano who missed the majority of the season due to an injury.
Romano is arguably the Blue Jays best relief pitcher but missed almost the entire 2024 season due to a elbow injury on his throwing arm took him out in late May and ended up lasting the entire season.
According to reports, Romano is projected to make $7.75 million next year which is a fair deal is he is able to stay healthy and pitch at the top of his game but if he has another injured filled season, it will be a tough pill to swallow for the Blue Jays.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (5.157): $29.6MM Erik Swanson (5.059): $3.2MM Jordan Romano (5.051): $7.75MM Genesis Cabrera (5.011): $2.5MM Dillon Tate (4.144): $1.9MM Daulton Varsho (4.128): $7.7MM Alejandro Kirk (4.047): $4.1MM Alek Manoah (3.063): $2.4MM Zach Pop (2.171): $1MM Ernie Clement (2.168): $1.7MM
However due to these injuries it looks like Romano might be a non tender candidate meaning they Blue Jays will be able to opt out of arbitration and try to sign him to a different deal.
Is Romano a non tender candidate?
I think there's a legitimate possibility of it. Almost $8M with that injury history and some stuff trending down even before pretty risky.
yeah, seems like a non tender and sign for cheaper. but that's risky too
If the Blue Jays are looking to improve their bullpen next season, keeping Romano is definitely a solid move but it would have to be at the right price.