Jordan Romano Joins Phillies: A High-Stakes Move to Bolster the Bullpen
In a move that has the baseball world buzzing, closer Jordan Romano and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a one-year contract, sources told ESPN. This signing is a bold step for the Phillies, who are looking to strengthen a bullpen that was rock-solid during the regular season but fell apart when it mattered most in the playoffs.
Romano, 31, is coming off a challenging year with the Toronto Blue Jays, where injuries derailed his season and ultimately led to arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow. Despite his struggles in 2023, Romano’s track record speaks for itself. Over the previous four seasons, he was one of the most dominant relief pitchers in the game, boasting a 2.29 ERA across 200⅔ innings, with 251 strikeouts and just 75 walks. The deal is pending a physical, but the Phillies are clearly betting on Romano’s ability to return to form.
Why Did Toronto Let Romano Go?
Toronto’s decision to non-tender Romano raised eyebrows across the league. Rather than go to arbitration—where his salary was projected to stay around the $7.75 million he earned in 2023—or explore trade options, the Blue Jays opted to let him walk. This came after a tough season in which Romano posted a 6.59 ERA in just 13⅔ innings. The move made Romano a free agent, and the Phillies wasted no time in seizing the opportunity.
Philadelphia’s bullpen is undergoing a bit of a makeover this offseason. With All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman and right-hander Carlos Estevez hitting free agency, the Phillies needed reinforcements. Romano will join a bullpen that already features some serious firepower, including All-Star Matt Strahm, rising star Orion Kerkering, and hard-throwing lefties Jose Alvarado and Gregory Soto.
Playoff Woes Spark Change
The Phillies had a stellar regular season, finishing with a 95-67 record to claim the National League East crown. But their playoff run was shockingly short-lived. They were eliminated in their first series by the New York Mets, a team that finished six games behind them in the division. The Phillies’ bullpen was a major culprit, blowing leads in the sixth inning or later in three of the series’ four games. It’s no surprise, then, that the team entered the offseason determined to shake things up.
While the Phillies haven’t made any blockbuster trades yet, the addition of Romano is a high-upside gamble. If he can stay healthy, Romano has the potential to be a game-changer. Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins recently stated, “We have no medical concerns” about Romano, which should give Phillies fans some reassurance. Romano’s arsenal includes a fastball that clocks in at 95-97 mph and a devastating slider that generates plenty of swings and misses. If he’s back to full strength by spring training, Romano could find himself in the mix for save opportunities. Phillies manager Rob Thomson used eight different relievers to close games last season, so there’s certainly room for Romano to carve out a key role.
Romano’s Career by the Numbers
Romano’s career stats are nothing short of impressive. Over six seasons, the 6-foot-5, 210-pound right-hander has saved 105 games while racking up 285 strikeouts and 88 walks in 229⅔ innings. From 2021 to 2023, he led all relievers in Baseball-Reference Wins Above Replacement (WAR) with 7.4, outpacing second-place Devin Williams by more than one WAR. Those numbers underscore just how dominant Romano can be when he’s at his best.
What This Means for the Phillies
Adding Romano to the bullpen is a calculated risk for the Phillies, but it’s one that could pay off in a big way. If Romano can recapture the form that made him a two-time All-Star, he’ll be a crucial piece in Philadelphia’s quest to make a deeper playoff run in 2024. The Phillies have already shown they’re willing to make bold moves to improve their roster, and this signing is just the latest example.
Here’s a quick recap of why this move matters:
- Romano brings elite career numbers, including a 2.29 ERA from 2019-2022.
- Philadelphia’s bullpen needed reinforcements after a playoff collapse.
- Romano’s health and performance in spring training will be key to his role.
For Phillies fans, the message is clear: the team isn’t content with just making the playoffs—they’re gearing up for a serious run at a championship. And with Jordan Romano in the mix, the bullpen just got a whole lot more interesting.
Originally Written by: Jeff Passan
