MLB roster-building sliding into emotion-free Fantasy League mode

Romano non-tendered in Blue Jays tough-glove decision

Ever since MLB’s shift towards determining roster decisions viewed largely through the unforgiving prism of analytics, utilizing numbers designed, over time, to determine true value, helping humans with usage and in-game strategy, the belief in empathy regarding their own players, has become a four-letter word.

Many numbers-based, upstairs, decision-makers, around the major-leagues, have rarely ventured into a clubhouse, or have never looked into the eyes of the players whose future they hold in their hands. It’s comparable to most Fantasy League owners we know, fans of the game, who only care about their current roster, geared to compete week-to-week. Cut someone who’s not producing. It’s not real, anyway.

The most recent proof of this looming lack of big-league humanity (if it might cost your team a few extra bucks) is the Blue Jays and their handling of hometown hero, Canadian closer, 11-year veteran of the organization, drafted in the 10th round in 2014, fan favourite and Markham (ON) native, Jordan Romano.

Entering his final season before his six-year free-agency, with an uncertain future now ahead, Romano underwent surgery in early July, for what was diagnosed as an elbow impingement, but was actually more seriously corrected with a hybrid elbow procedure (internal brace/Tommy John) in early July. Romano was expected to be out six weeks, but his issues lingered and he was eventually shut down for good, Sept. 6. Early in the off-season, now home in Florida, the popular closer was expected to stage a throwing session to demonstrate any progress for the Jays, but it didn’t happen.   

So, instead, Romano was, subsequently, non-tendered a contract by the Jays on deadline day, late last week, making him a free-agent a year early. MLB Trade Rumors had estimated him with a $7.75-million contract in arb for ’25. Repercussions from that non-tender have not been fully registered among fans, teammates and, in fact, those players that may have been considering Toronto as a new MLB home.    

Romano’s was not a minor contribution to what the Jays had accomplished as contenders from 2020-23. Over that four-year span, the Jays had earned a post-season berth three times. The 31-year-old Romano during that four-season stretch, was a combined 19-13, 2.29 ERA, with 95 saves and was selected to play in two all-star games. He was, arguably, a Top 5 closer in the game.   

The Jays had been quite smart in their marketing use of the GTA native-son – his nationality, skills and important ninth-inning role. The schtick had been whenever Romano ambled down the bullpen steps behind the left field wall, came through the gate to enter, the stadium lights would be dimmed, his unique walkout song would blare, while he jogged to the mound and throughout his warmup. It was unique, fiery and goose-bump inducing. And then there were bobbleheads and marketing stuff.

But that was then. This is now. Following an injury shortened ‘24 season that resulted in an uncharacteristic 6.59 ERA in 15 games, he entered the off-season with more rehab and an uncertain ‘25. Over the six months, of ’24, there had been numerous stops and false starts and stops, reminiscent of Evel Knievel’s jump over the fountain at Caesar’s Palace. Finally, borrowing words from Vince Carter, “It’s Over!”

But, maybe, not so fast. For Romano, his fate, moving forward, is still not a slam-dunk. Start with the bottom-line fact that they should have found a compromise, a way to sign him for less, taking into account his injury, building back up financially in ‘26. Free agency for a homegrown player is as much about rewarding for what he has done for you in the past, balanced against what you do for him in the future.

We may be wrong and are willing to admit it, but unless the team knows more about Romano’s future than they are revealing, he will have a chance to bounce back over time, hopefully at age 33, returning to his role as a significant contributor to a winning effort. The biggest comp and example I can think of, with the Jays making a questionable decision, based on an existing injury, was Chris Carpenter in 2002-03. Carpenter was non-tendered by Jays’ second-year GM J.P. Ricciardi following right shoulder surgery that was certain to cost him a year of rehabilitation, in 2003.

The New Hampshire native, a Jays first-round pick in ’93, had been struggling with his shoulder at spring training ’02, but kept the severity of the injury to himself because he was in line to be opening day starter at Fenway Park, his own backyard.

The ’02 season became injury-plagued and failed. He was shut down after just 13 starts and a 5.28 ERA. An irate General Manager felt betrayed by Carpenter’s lack of transparency regarding his shoulder and he was released with years of arb-eligibility remaining in Toronto at age 27, without being offered a contract.  

Carpenter did not have to wait long. He was then signed to a new major-league contract by the Cardinals and their GM Walt Jocketty, that had a year of lesser-pay rehab built in. The Cards were rewarded for their patience and empathy for the next three seasons, 2004-06. Always known as a sponge for information and a hard worker, Carpenter responded to the Cards’ show of faith, going 51-18, earning a Cy Young Award in 2005 and a trip to the World Series in ’06. It should have been Jays.

In the different, but similar case of Romano, there remains the possibility that the bullpen ace might possibly return to the Jays in ’25 for a lesser contract, given any expected progress with his health. Or maybe, in fact, the elbow issue is worse than we have been told and the team is aware. But for the moment, credit the Blue Jays with a blown save.