News and Notes: Blue Jays hire new bullpen coach, confirm hitting department addition, discuss Jordan Romano non-tender, and more

Prior to joining the Yankees, Johnson was a pitching coach for the Houston Astros’ double-A affiliate from 2019-21. Before that, he worked in the same role for the organization’s high-A club for one season in ’18.

Atkins said the franchise also plans to hire a pitching assistant before next season, with the interview process already underway. Once hired, they’ll operate under pitching coach Pete Walker and Johnson.

Additionally, Ware has one more season on his contract and is still exploring alternative roles with the franchise. David Howell — the team’s assistant pitching coach last season — has been offered a front-office position but is also considering other employment options.

Lou Ionnatti Officially Named Hitting Assistant

Atkins also confirmed Ionnatti’s hiring as the club’s new hitting assistant, first reported by TSN’s Scott Mitchell earlier this week.

Ionnatti previously served as a hitting co-ordinator within the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system, and he joins Hunter Mense — who returns from last season’s staff — as an assistant under new hitting coach David Popkins.

The Blue Jays featured an opening in their hitting department after Matt Hague left to become the Pittsburgh Pirates’ new hitting coach last month. He spent last season as an assistant hitting coach on the big-league staff after serving as a hitting coach with triple-A Buffalo in 2023.

Another coaching addition could occur before the ’25 season begins, with Atkins revealing the organization is still debating whether to hire a new field co-ordinator after reassigning Gil Kim to a dual role — splitting duties with single-A Dunedin and as an off-season co-ordinator for players on the 40-man roster.

Atkins Explains Non-Tendering Jordan Romano

Deciding to non-tender Romano was a “very difficult decision,” Atkins told reporters Tuesday, including Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi. He also described it as a business move, with the Markham, Ont., native due a projected $7.75 million in his final arbitration year per MLB Trade Rumors.

The Blue Jays GM added he plans to heavily pursue a potential return with the right-handed reliever this off-season, dismissing any concerns regarding his elbow heading into 2025. As for why both parties could reach a pre-tender extension, management felt this route was ultimately best for everyone involved.

If they had agreed to a new deal, Toronto would’ve had to offer Romano at least $6.2 million per arbitration rules, as Davidi noted.

Injury Updates on Bo Bichette, Daulton Varsho, Will Wagner, Alek Manoah

On a health-related note, Atkins said everyone remains on schedule, with Bichette (right middle finger) and Wagner (left knee) slated to be 100 per cent for Opening Day 2025.

However, while Varsho hasn’t encountered any setbacks in his recovery from right shoulder surgery, there’s still a solid chance he begins next season on the IL. That being said, the team will likely have more information once he arrives in Dunedin for spring training.

Atkins also provided a brief update on Manoah, who began the first day of his post-Tommy John throwing program earlier this week, saying the 2022 All-Star is on the right track.

The 26-year-old hurler isn’t expected to return to game action until closer to next season’s All-Star break but could make a second-half return to the Blue Jays’ staff.