5 Phillies bullpen trade candidates from clubs already falling out of contention
By Matt Grazel
Jordan Romano, TOR
Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano has had a decent year despite his 6.59 ERA in 15 games. In 13 2/3 innings, he's 8-for-9 in save opportunities. Over the last few seasons, he has been one of MLB's fairly reliable closers. In 2022, he finished tied for fourth with 36 saves. He finished with 36 saves again the following year, tied for fifth.
At 29-32, the Blue Jays are 14.0 games back in the AL East and 4.0 games out of the Wild Card. If Toronto decides to sell in July, Romano could be targeted by clubs looking to improve their bullpen.
Romano has one more year of team control before he becomes a free agent at the end of next year. If a club acquires him this year, they could trade him at next year's deadline.
Romano throws a slider and a four-seam fastball. Even though he has a high ERA this year, he finished with ERAs of 2.14, 2.11 and 2.90 from 2021 to 2023. He had a decent April with a 3.18 ERA, a 0.88 WHIP in six games and 4-for-4 in save opportunities.
Now on the IL, May was a struggle for Romano with a 9.00 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and four saves in five chances. After allowing two earned runs in April, the closer surrendered eight in May. If he gets healthy, a change of scenery could help him if he continues to struggle with the Blue Jays.