The San Francisco Giants are confronting a bullpen crisis as Opening Day nears, with multiple pitchers sidelined due to injuries, creating urgency to reinforce their relief staff. This situation has intensified conversations around acquiring new players, with the JoJo Romero trade target emerging as a top option to bolster their pitching depth.
Among the injured are three of the team’s four left-handed relievers, including Reiver Sanmartin, who suffered left hip discomfort during a World Baseball Classic exhibition game, putting his readiness in doubt. Additionally, right-hander Joel Peguero is grappling with a Grade 2 hamstring strain that could sideline him for at least a month, further depleting the Giants’ bullpen options.
Assessment of Giants’ Bullpen and Overall Team Structure
While the Giants boast a formidable batting lineup and a starting rotation anchored by ace Logan Webb, their relief pitching depth appears fragile in comparison. Ryan Walker remains a dependable asset within the bullpen, but beyond him, the group lacks depth, especially given the recent injury setbacks affecting key relievers.
Given this situation, the Giants are unlikely to rely solely on internal recoveries. The urgency to stay competitive early in the season might force them to explore external players, highlighting the importance of swift roster moves to stabilize the relief corps.
JoJo Romero Emerges as a Prime Left-Handed Relief Acquisition
To address the left-handed relief shortage and enhance their setup role behind Ryan Walker, the Giants have reportedly shown interest in St. Louis Cardinals pitcher JoJo Romero. Romero has delivered consistent performances over the past two years, making him a strong candidate for a critical bullpen role.
Romero’s 2025 campaign featured a career-best 2.07 ERA in 65 appearances, compiling a 4-6 win-loss record with 55 strikeouts and 29 walks across 61 innings. His 2024 season was also noteworthy, posting a 7-3 record and a 3.36 ERA while striking out 51 and walking 16 in 65 games.
Before closer Ryan Helsley was traded mid-season, Romero served as a key setup pitcher, and he recorded eight saves in 2025. Although he has just 12 career saves, his experience in high-pressure situations suggests he could comfortably fill the eighth-inning role or act as a backup closer, particularly when Walker needs rest.
JoJo Romero’s Career Development and Trade Appeal
JoJo Romero started his Major League Baseball journey with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020, but it was with the Cardinals starting in 2023 that he truly established himself. He holds a solid 15-11 career record and a 3.55 ERA, maintaining a strikeout rate of 8.5 per nine innings and a walk rate of 3.5 per nine innings, underscoring his reliability on the mound.
Financially, Romero represents an attainable target for the Giants. With a salary under $5 million and free agency looming after this season, the Cardinals’ negotiating leverage is reduced, potentially easing trade discussions. For San Francisco, acquiring Romero is a strategic move to shore up immediate bullpen weaknesses without committing to a long-term contract, a necessary step given their current injury challenges.
