Phillies Bolster Bullpen with Signing of Former Blue Jays Closer Jordan Romano
As the Philadelphia Phillies aim to strengthen their bullpen for the upcoming season, they have secured the services of former Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano. The deal, a one-year contract worth over $7.75 million, marks a significant move for the Phillies, who are looking to fill the void left by Carlos Estévez, now a free agent.
Romano, 31, arrives in Philadelphia after being non-tendered by the Toronto Blue Jays. His previous season was marred by an elbow injury that necessitated surgery, affecting his performance significantly. In just 15 appearances last year, he struggled to a 6.59 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP — numbers that are a stark departure from his previous form.
From 2019 to 2021, Romano was a stalwart figure in the Blue Jays’ bullpen. He posted a remarkable 2.37 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, accumulating an impressive 230 strikeouts over 186 innings. This track record undoubtedly played a role in the Phillies’ decision to bring him onboard, as they seek a reliable option to close out games.
The addition of Romano complements a bullpen that includes right-handers Orion Kerkering and José Ruiz, along with left-hander Matt Strahm. Strahm, particularly, enjoyed a standout campaign with the Phillies last season, adding depth and versatility to their late-inning options. Tanner Banks also showed effectiveness in his outings late last season for Philadelphia, offering further support and competition within the bullpen.
However, the bullpen isn't without its challenges. José Alvarado saw a significant uptick in his ERA, climbing from a superb 1.74 in 2023 to 4.09 last season. His strikeout rate declined, and his walk rate increased — trends that need to be addressed if the Phillies are to maximize his potential alongside their new acquisition.
Romano’s arrival spells a renewed sense of optimism, despite the challenges he faced with his injury last season. As he continues on the road to recovery, the Phillies are banking on his experience and past success to shine through, potentially reinventing himself as a key figure in their bullpen setup. It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off handsomely if Romano regains his pre-injury form.
The Phillies’ intent to fortify their bullpen with a mix of proven arms and promising talents reflects their strategy to compete at a high level this season. Romano's partnership with his new teammates will be pivotal as they aim for consistency in late-game scenarios, providing managers with a variety of strategic options.
This season holds the promise of redemption and resurgence for Jordan Romano. Should he navigate his return to peak performance successfully, the Phillies could find themselves with a closer who's more than capable of leading them to victory in tight situations.