The Toronto Blue Jays spent the offseason aggressively upgrading their roster after coming painfully close to winning the World Series last season.
Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
But even after pouring significant resources into their pitching staff, the front office may not be finished yet.
With Opening Day approaching, general manager Ross Atkins could still be exploring one final move — particularly one that strengthens the bullpen.
Pitching upgrades already a priority
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher JoJo Romero | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Toronto made pitching a central focus during the offseason, committing major financial resources to both the starting rotation and relief corps.
The strategy reflects a clear goal: build a roster capable of finishing what last year’s team started.
While the Blue Jays’ pitching staff now appears stronger overall, there’s one area that still stands out as a possible weakness — bullpen balance.
At the moment, Toronto’s relief unit is heavily right-handed, leaving the team potentially vulnerable in matchups that require reliable left-handed pitching.
JoJo Romero emerging as possible target
St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher JoJo Romero | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Because of that imbalance, Toronto has reportedly been linked multiple times to St. Louis Cardinals reliever JoJo Romero.
Romero is coming off the best season of his career and could represent an ideal late addition for a team with championship aspirations.
In 2025, the 29-year-old left-hander posted:
- 2.07 ERA
- 1.7 bWAR
- 61 innings pitched
Those numbers have made him one of the most attractive bullpen arms potentially available on the trade market.
Why St. Louis could move him
The Cardinals are widely expected to be in rebuilding mode, which could make Romero one of their most valuable trade chips.
He is also entering the final year of his contract, making him a classic rental player for contending teams.
Because of that situation, it would not be surprising if St. Louis ultimately moves him before the trade deadline — or even before the regular season begins.
For Toronto, acting quickly could prevent a rival contender from acquiring him first.
What a trade might cost
Despite Romero’s strong numbers, the cost to acquire him may remain reasonable.
St. Louis holds some leverage because multiple teams are likely interested in adding bullpen depth. However, Romero’s short-term control limits how much teams will be willing to give up.
A trade package built around mid-level prospects could potentially be enough to complete a deal.
If the Cardinals were to demand top-tier prospects, Toronto would likely walk away.
Final chance to strengthen the roster
For a team hoping to return to the World Series, adding another quality bullpen arm could make a meaningful difference.
Bullpen depth is often the deciding factor in tight postseason games, and the Blue Jays are clearly trying to leave as little to chance as possible.
Whether Ross Atkins ultimately pulls off another move remains uncertain.
But with the season just days away, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Blue Jays make one more bold push to reinforce their bullpen before Opening Day arrives.
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