The Toronto Blue Jays have been anything but quiet this offseason. They've made it clear they’re not just aiming to compete-they're aiming to win it all.
With the additions of Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Taylor Rogers, and Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto, the Jays have retooled and reinforced without tearing down what made them a contender in the first place. But even with those moves, there’s one area that still feels a little thin: the bullpen.
Specifically, the Jays could use another left-handed reliever. The World Series collapse exposed a glaring need for more stability in high-leverage spots, and while Taylor Rogers helps, there’s still room for another arm from the left side to balance things out.
That’s where a recent trade proposal comes into play-one that would send fan-favorite Davis Schneider to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for lefty JoJo Romero, who’s coming off a stellar 2.07 ERA season. It’s the kind of move that makes you pause-not because it doesn’t make sense, but because it would mean parting with a player who’s become a bit of a cult hero in Toronto.
Let’s break it down.
Why This Trade Makes Sense for the Cardinals
From St. Louis’ perspective, this is the type of deal that fits their current trajectory.
Under Chaim Bloom’s leadership, the Cardinals have already shown a willingness to move pieces as they reshape the roster. Romero, who’s entering his final year of club control, is a prime trade chip.
He’s effective, he’s in demand, and he doesn’t appear to be part of their long-term plans.
In return, they’d get Schneider-a right-handed bat with pop, versatility, and years of team control. He fits a need for the Cardinals, who could use another outfield option with some thump. It’s a logical swap: a short-term bullpen piece for a long-term offensive asset.
But What About the Blue Jays?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Schneider is under team control through 2029.
That kind of cost-effective depth isn’t easy to come by. But despite his popularity and upside, there’s a growing sense that he may not have a clear role in Toronto this season.
The dominoes started falling when the Jays signed Okamoto. That move shifted Addison Barger to right field, crowding an already packed outfield. With Anthony Santander, Nathan Lukes, and Myles Straw also in the mix-and George Springer now locked in as the full-time DH-there just isn’t much room left for Schneider to make a consistent impact.
Daulton Varsho remains a key part of the outfield rotation as well, and all of that leaves Schneider on the outside looking in. He’s a valuable piece, but on this roster, he’s more of a luxury than a necessity. And when you’re trying to win a championship, sometimes you have to turn that luxury into something you actually need-like a shutdown lefty out of the bullpen.
The Romero Factor
JoJo Romero isn’t just any lefty. He’s coming off a season where he posted a sub-2.10 ERA and proved he can handle late-inning pressure. His ability to neutralize left-handed hitters and keep the ball in the yard makes him a perfect fit for a Toronto bullpen that could use more certainty from that side.
Pairing Romero with Rogers could give the Jays a legitimate one-two punch from the left, especially if Brandon Little can rediscover his command. That trio would give manager John Schneider more flexibility in the late innings, something that was sorely lacking during the postseason.
The Verdict
This kind of trade isn’t easy. You’re giving up years of control for one season of a reliever, and that’s always a gamble.
But it’s a calculated one. The Jays are in win-now mode.
Their rotation is deep, their lineup is stacked, and their window is wide open. If they’re going to make a serious run, the bullpen needs to hold up under the weight of October baseball.
Trading Davis Schneider would sting, no doubt. But if it brings in a proven arm like JoJo Romero and helps solidify the bullpen for a championship push, it’s the kind of move that could pay off in the biggest moments.
Nothing’s official yet, and the Jays may still explore other options. But if they’re serious about addressing their biggest weakness, this trade proposal is worth keeping on the radar.