Blue Jays predicted to trade for much-needed lefty reliever after 2.07 ERA season

The Toronto Blue Jays made a lot of roster moves this offseason. Kazuma Okamoto, Tyler Rogers, Cody Ponce, and Dylan Cease were the headliners.

But, after their offseason moves and coming into the 2026 MLB season, there's still one area of the roster that could use some help: left-handed relievers.

Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller predicts that the Blue Jays will fix such a need in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, as lefty JoJo Romero is predicted to be traded to the Blue Jays mid-season in 2026.

Blue Jays predicted to trade for JoJo Romero

"(JoJo Romero) Ends Season With: Toronto Blue Jays," Miller writes. "Toronto looks like a better fit than most, though, as not only could the Blue Jays use another experienced southpaw reliever, but there's a non-zero chance they'll be looking to replace (or at least buttress) Jeff Hoffman with another ninth-inning option."

Adding Romero in a trade with the Cardinals, as Miller predicts, would be a smart move for the Blue Jays to make this offseason.

The veteran lefty is making $4.26 million in 2026 and is in the final year of his club control. He's a rental, but for a World Series contender, adding a rental option like Romero would make a lot of sense.

He's coming off a strong 2025, posting an impressive 2.07 ERA in 65 games for the best season of his MLB career so far. He also recorded eight saves, showcasing an ability to be a closer if needed.

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This production alone would make him a worthy trade target, but thanks to Romero being a lefty reliever, the Blue Jays should want him even more.

Currently in their bullpen, only Eric Lauer, Brendon Little, and Mason Fluharty are lefty relievers. And combined with their rotation being comprised of right-handers, adding a lefty reliever is something that makes too much sense.

Romero might be the best lefty reliever available for trade this season, and with the Cardinals in clear rebuild mode, trading Romero by the trade deadline makes too much sense for the Cardinals not to do it.

The Blue Jays, with their lackluster options from the left side, should pursue Romero. Miller predicts that they'll swing such a trade, and complete a move that would give the Blue Jays a much-needed lefty pitcher for the most important parts of the 2026 season.

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