In a strategic move to fortify their bullpen, the Philadelphia Phillies have successfully secured a one-year agreement with former Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano, marking a significant addition before the season begins. The deal, valued at over $7.75 million, not only strengthens the Phillies' roster but also gives Romano a fresh start following his recent challenges.
Jordan Romano, now 31, had been a key figure for the Blue Jays but encountered hurdles last season due to an elbow injury that required surgical intervention. The injury seemingly affected his form, evident from his performance that season. Romano made just 15 appearances, recording an uncharacteristic 6.59 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. Such figures deviated from his previous three-year period from 2019 to 2021, where he boasted an impressive 2.37 ERA and 1.09 WHIP over 186 innings with 230 strikeouts. Despite this setback, the Phillies understand Romano's talent and potential, hoping his experience and previous successes will translate into valuable contributions in their bullpen.
The Phillies' acquisition of Romano also corresponds with their need for a reliable closer after Carlos Estévez's transition to free agency, leaving a gap in their late-inning lineup. In light of this, Romano will be at the center of the Phillies' strategy, offering depth and expertise to their bullpen. Supporting him in late-inning roles will be right-handed pitchers Orion Kerkering and José Ruiz, as well as left-hander Matt Strahm.
Strahm, notably, concluded an exceptional 2024 season with the Phillies, showcasing his capacity to deliver under pressure. Meanwhile, Tanner Banks also proved effective during his appearances last season, adding another reliable arm to the bullpen. These names, alongside Romano, construct a robust framework poised to tackle late-game scenarios.
The Phillies are also keenly watching the performance of José Alvarado, whose numbers saw a significant shift last season. Alvarado’s ERA experienced an unfortunate rise from 1.74 in 2023 to 4.09, accompanied by a dip in his strikeout rate and an increase in his walk rate. This decline underscores the Phillies' imperative to strengthen their bullpen, ensuring consistency and reliability during critical game moments.
Romano's arrival to the Phillies is marked with optimism as the team seeks to bolster their bullpen efficacy and eye potential opportunities to advance in the competitive league. With the pieces now falling into place, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how Romano integrates into the roster, and whether he can reclaim the form that once made him one of the league's standout closers.