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The Toronto Blue Jays seem to have changed their mind regarding closer Jordan Romano
Photo credit: Sports Illustrated
The Toronto Blue Jays decided to non-tender closer Jordan Romano and let him become a free agent but it seems they have changed their mind about letting him go.
The Blue Jays decided to non-tender Romano right before the deadline a couple weeks ago due to the size of his projected contract for 2025 which has now turned him into a free agent.
The Blue Jays have changed their mind about closer Jordan Romano
Ross Atkins stated during an interview that it was a very difficult move to let Romano go into free agency with how much he has done for the Blue Jays over the years.
Atkins added that they made this move from a business standpoint but that they are not done with Romano as they will be heavily pursuing him in free agency.
«Very difficult decision on a personal level (because of) how much he's meant to this city, country (and) team (and) what he's accomplished,» Atkins said. «From a business standpoint, we have to operate as one. We remain interested in him and will be heavily pursuing his return and hope that that's a potential reality.» -Atkins
Mnay believed that part of the reasoning behind the move was Romano's health as he missed the majority of last season due to an injury and had multiple setback during his recovery but Atkins stated that there is no medical concerns regarding Romano.
«I have no concerns,» the GM said. «I feel like he will be back physically. We have no medical concerns.» -Atkins
It seems to be that the main issue with Romano was the size of his contract if he ended up being tendered which the Bleu Jays felt was too high and are likely hoping to land him for a smaller amount in free agency.
In 2024, Romano earned $7.75 million via arbitration, and league rules dictate that a player's salary can't be reduced by more than 20 per cent in arbitration. That means the Blue Jays would have had to guarantee Romano at least $6.2 million in 2025, had they tendered him a contract. -Nicholson-Smith
The Blue Jays have a ton of holes in their bullpen which is why they are looking to bring Romano back but it might not end up being that easy since he is set to have multiple teams interested in him.
Source: Sportsnet
Atkins: Blue Jays will be 'heavily pursuing' return for Romano
Atkins: Blue Jays will be 'heavily pursuing' return for Romano
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DECEMBRE 5 | 1997 ANSWERS The Toronto Blue Jays seem to have changed their mind regarding closer Jordan Romano Will the Blue Jays bring Jordan Romano back? | ||
| Yes | 888 | 44.5 % |
| No | 1109 | 55.5 % |
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