Phillies Bolster Bullpen with Signing of Veteran Closer Jordan Romano
The Philadelphia Phillies have made a strategic move to strengthen their bullpen by signing Jordan Romano, a former closer for the Toronto Blue Jays. This acquisition, valued at over $7.75 million for a one-year contract, marks a pivotal step for the Phillies as they seek to enhance their pitching depth following the departure of Carlos Estévez to free agency.
A New Chapter for Romano
Jordan Romano, now 31, brings with him a storied career history, peppered with both stellar performances and challenging setbacks. In his tenure from 2019 to 2021 with the Blue Jays, Romano was a force on the mound, boasting an impressive 2.37 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, along with 230 strikeouts over 186 innings. His ability to dominate the field during these seasons established him as a formidable closer in Major League Baseball.
However, last season proved to be a difficult year for the right-hander. Romano struggled with an elbow injury that necessitated surgery, evidently impacting his performance. In the 15 appearances he managed, Romano ended with an uncharacteristically high 6.59 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. This decline in performance led to him being non-tendered by the Blue Jays, paving the way for his current deal with the Phillies.
Filling the Void
The Phillies' decision to acquire Romano is driven by the need to fill the gap left by Estévez, a crucial element of their bullpen. Romano's veteran presence adds immediate depth and experience, providing options for late-inning stability that the team sorely needs. His potential to return to peak performance levels is a gamble that the Phillies are willing to take.
Alongside Romano, the Phillies’ bullpen lineup includes promising right-handers Orion Kerkering and José Ruiz, as well as left-hander Matt Strahm, each bringing their own strengths to the team's late-inning scenarios. Strahm, in particular, had a remarkable season in 2024, adding a layer of reliability the team can lean on.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the optimism surrounding Romano's arrival, the Phillies’ bullpen faces several challenges. José Alvarado’s performance, for instance, slipped last season with his ERA rising from 1.74 in 2023 to 4.09, coupled with a decline in his strikeout rate and an increase in walks. Such inconsistencies underline the importance of adding depth and options like Romano and other talented pitchers to the roster.
While the presence of Romano heralds a fresh start, the team will be looking to leverage all available talent. Tanner Banks' effectiveness late last season offers another ray of hope, suggesting that when aligned with seasoned professionals like Romano, the Phillies can overcome past instabilities.
Looking Forward
As Romano steps into this new role, the buzz around his potential resurgence grows among the Phillies’ fanbase. How swiftly and effectively he adapts to his new environment will be closely watched, especially considering the injury setbacks he seeks to put behind him. With a well-rounded bullpen and a supportive team context, the Phillies are shaping up to be a force that other teams in the league should not underestimate. This move not only reinforces the team’s immediate ambitions but also its long-term strategy to sustain competitive play.
With this signing, the Phillies have signaled their intent to become key contenders, and their success will depend significantly on their revamped bullpen’s ability to reach its collective potential. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Romano and his fellow pitchers to see if this blend of experience and youth can drive the Phillies toward a triumphant outcome.