Phillies Bolster Bullpen by Signing Former Blue Jays Closer Jordan Romano
In an off-season move aimed at strengthening their bullpen, the Philadelphia Phillies have announced the signing of former Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano. This addition comes as the team looks to fill key gaps left by departing players and enhance their competitiveness in the upcoming season.
A Strategic Acquisition
The one-year contract with Romano is reportedly worth over $7.75 million, a significant investment indicating the Phillies' confidence in Romano’s potential. The decision to bring Romano on board follows the non-tendering of the 31-year-old by the Blue Jays, which made him a free agent. This strategic acquisition allows the Phillies to add depth to their pitching roster while giving Romano a chance to revitalize his career after a challenging season.
Overcoming Injuries
Last season was a difficult one for Romano, who struggled with an elbow injury that significantly impacted his performance. In just 15 appearances, he posted a 6.59 ERA and a WHIP of 1.46. The injury eventually required surgery, sidelining him for a substantial portion of the season. However, his track record prior to the injury suggests that he could be a valuable asset for the Phillies. From 2019 to 2021, Romano maintained an impressive 2.37 ERA and a WHIP of 1.09, with 230 strikeouts over 186 innings, establishing himself as a reliable closer during that period.
Filling the Void Left by Estévez
Jordan Romano's signing comes as the Phillies seek to replace Carlos Estévez, who has entered free agency. Romano is expected to play a crucial role in late-inning scenarios, bringing his experience and competitive edge to the mound. Supporting Romano will be a contingent of talented pitchers, including right-handers Orion Kerkering and José Ruiz, along with left-hander Matt Strahm. Strahm, in particular, had an impressive 2024 season with the Phillies, showcasing his capability to handle high-pressure situations.
A Renewed Bullpen Dynamic
Besides Matt Strahm, Tanner Banks also demonstrated effectiveness in late-inning outings for the Phillies last season. This network of skilled pitchers is set to form a robust bullpen framework around Romano, giving Manager Rob Thomson multiple options to manage the late moments of a game effectively. One area of concern, however, is José Alvarado’s performance volatility. Alvarado saw his ERA increase from an impressive 1.74 in 2023 to 4.09 last season, alongside a decline in his strikeout rate and a troubling rise in walk numbers. This inconsistency will need addressing if the Phillies are to maintain a formidable bullpen presence.
Looking Ahead
For Romano, the move to Philadelphia marks an opportunity to bounce back from his injury-plagued season and regain the form that made him one of the top closers in the league a few years ago. For the Phillies, Romano's experience and potential upside present a valuable addition to a bullpen that is clearly in a state of transition, adjusting after the free agency departure of significant contributors like Estévez.
As the Phillie staff prepares for the demands of the upcoming season, the new configuration of their bullpen could play a pivotal role in the team's competitiveness. Romano’s health and performance will be watched closely, not just by fans and analysts in Philadelphia, but by observers across the league, all eager to see whether this calculated risk will yield rewards for a team with postseason aspirations.