With spring training just around the corner, the St. Louis Cardinals find themselves at a crossroads: should they pull the trigger on one final trade involving JoJo Romero, or hold off? It’s a decision that has fans and analysts alike scratching their heads, especially after Chaim Bloom’s recent head-scratching move to swap Andre Granillo for George Soriano. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Romero’s value seems undeniable, the timing of a potential trade is anything but clear. Let’s dive in.
The Cardinals’ spring training facility in Jupiter, Florida, is already buzzing with activity as pitchers, catchers, and prospects gear up for the season. Yet, the focus remains on Romero, the veteran left-handed reliever who’s been at the center of trade rumors for months. With a stellar 2025 campaign under his belt—a 2.07 ERA across 65 appearances—Romero is a proven asset. His ability to shut down left-handed hitters and his groundball-heavy approach (57.1% groundball rate) make him a coveted piece for any contender. But here’s the catch: is now the right time to cash in on his value?
Reliever trades during the offseason can be tricky. Teams often prefer to explore internal options or wait until the trade deadline when the stakes are higher. Unless a club is desperate to fill a bullpen void, they’re unlikely to part with top prospects for a reliever, no matter how dominant. And this is the part most people miss: Romero’s trade value could peak in July, when teams are scrambling to bolster their rosters for a postseason push. But waiting comes with its own risks.
Romero’s performance last season was impressive, but there are red flags. His strikeout rate (21.6%) and walk rate (11.4%) suggest he might not sustain that 2.07 ERA. His slider was lethal, but his ability to generate chases remains questionable. Advanced metrics like his xERA (3.49) and FIP (3.28) hint that he may have overperformed in 2025. So, while holding onto him could yield a bigger return at the deadline, there’s no guarantee he’ll replicate last year’s success. Is it worth the gamble?
Consider Ryan Helsley’s situation last year. Despite a drop-off in performance, the Cardinals still secured a strong return from the Mets. But Romero’s case feels different. His reliance on groundballs and the inherent volatility of relievers make his future performance harder to predict. If he struggles in the first half, his trade value could plummet. On the flip side, if he thrives, the Cardinals could command a premium at the deadline.
So, what’s the best move? Trading Romero now might not yield a game-changing return, but it eliminates the risk of injury or decline. Waiting, however, could pay off big if he performs well. But here’s the real question: Are the Cardinals willing to roll the dice?
For now, holding onto Romero seems like the smarter play. If a team grows desperate mid-season, the Cardinals could still strike a deal. Worst-case scenario, they miss out on a modest prospect package. Best-case scenario, they land a significant return that accelerates their rebuild. Either way, this decision will be a defining moment in Bloom’s tenure. What do you think? Should the Cardinals trade Romero now or wait? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
