Blue Jays: How many names in ink? Not as many as you’d think

Written in ink into the bullpen

When you look at all of the names that have passed through the Blue Jays bullpen plans in 2021, it’s a real head-scratcher that it’s been such a team weakness. I guess that’s the nature of a volatile position in the big leagues, but it’s still been pretty baffling.

I’m confident that the Blue Jays will look to enter the 2022 campaign with as much or more bullpen depth than they’ve ever had, especially after the way things went this season. With that in mind, I have a few extra names on this list that I may not have otherwise. I’m sure that Atkins and co. will look for as many significant upgrades as they can fit into the budget, but the arms I have listed below will factor into the equation at some point, unless they’re traded or released in a roster juggling move.

1- Jordan Romano
2- Tim Mayza
3- Adam Cimber
4- Trevor Richards
5- Julian Merryweather
6- Ryan Borucki
7- ??
8- ???

Extra: Trent Thornton, Tayler Saucedo, Kirby Snead, Anthony Castro, Connor Overton, etc

As you can see, they’ll have enough arms coming back to make up an eight-man bullpen, but there’s plenty of room for improvement here. That’s especially the case when they don’t know what they can count on from guys like Merryweather and Borucki, who have both yet to live up to their potential because of various injuries. It’s fortunate that Cimber and Richards both have contract control remaining, but I’m sure the Blue Jays will want to improve the late-inning group ahead of next season.

Some of the names I’ve listed above may not still be in the organization by the time next spring rolls around, as is the nature of the bullpen. That said, the Blue Jays will hope for better health and performance from some of the relievers, as the 2021 couldn’t have gone much worse.