The Baltimore Orioles find themselves back at the top of the American League East, and they are looking at their options to solidify their bullpen.
One target could be Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that Romano is on a shortlist of relievers the team has considered, including St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley and Houston Astros reliever Ryan Pressly. Nightengale also notes that those players would only be considered if their teams are sellers ahead of the trade deadline.
Baltimore has been dealt with tough injuries to its bullpen with all-star closer Felix Bautista having Tommy John surgery back in September.
The Orioles signed Craig Kimbrel as Bautista’s replacement this past off-season but it hasn’t exactly worked as planned. The 35-year-old has a 4-1 record with a 4.11 ERA with eight saves made in 11 opportunities through 15.1 innings.
Kimbrel’s struggles have been magnified with the veteran failing to finish the ninth inning in four of his past five outings as a closer. He has blown three saves and given up six earned runs in that time.
After starting the season on the injured list, Romano is a perfect six-for-six in save opportunities with a 4.15 ERA, with eight strikeouts and two walks in 8.2 innings.
Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi mentioned recently that if the Blue Jays continue to struggle and consider a full teardown, the native of Markham, Ont. could be a trade candidate with the closer among the many players who could be free agents in 2025.
However, there is no indication that the Blue Jays are making Romano available in a trade despite the team struggling to an 18-22 record this season. Toronto is about to open up a three-game set against Baltimore and will be looking to win its first series since beating the San Diego Padres last month.
Watch the Blue Jays-Orioles series opener Monday at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT on Sportsnet ONE or Sportsnet+.
