Phillies Boost Bullpen with Addition of Experienced Closer Jordan Romano
In a strategic move to bolster their bullpen, the Philadelphia Phillies have secured former Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano on a one-year deal. The agreement, valued at over $7.75 million, signals the Phillies' commitment to strengthening their pitching roster following the departure of Carlos Estévez, who has entered free agency.
Once a mainstay of the Blue Jays' bullpen, the 31-year-old Romano offers a seasoned arm that had flourished during the early years of his major league stint. Between 2019 and 2021, Romano showcased his dominance on the mound with an impressive 2.37 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, notching 230 strikeouts over 186 innings. These stellar performances forged his reputation as a reliable closer, and Phillies fans will hope for a return to form following his recent struggles.
Romano's previous season with the Blue Jays was marred by an elbow injury, which significantly hampered his performance. The injury necessitated surgery, and Romano found himself non-tendered by Toronto after mustering a disappointing 6.59 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP over 15 appearances. Nevertheless, the Phillies' front office clearly believes in Romano's potential to recapture his pre-injury prowess.
With Romano's addition, the Phillies aim to fill the void left by Estévez. However, the team's strategy does not rest solely on Romano's shoulders. The Phillies have other arms, such as right-handers Orion Kerkering and José Ruiz, and left-hander Matt Strahm, poised to step into substantial roles during critical late-inning scenarios. Strahm, in particular, stood out during the 2024 season with the Phillies, demonstrating his capability as a trustworthy bullpen option.
Additionally, Tanner Banks proved effective in his outings towards the end of last season, adding depth and versatility to a bullpen that has faced ups and downs. Meanwhile, the Phillies will look for more consistency from José Alvarado, whose ERA rose notably from 1.74 in 2023 to 4.09 last season, accompanied by a decline in his strikeout rate and an unfortunate increase in his walk rate.
While Romano represents a calculated risk for the Phillies, the potential reward is significant. If he can return to his pre-injury form, Romano could emerge as a linchpin in the Phillies bullpen, providing much-needed reliability and experience in high-pressure situations. The Phillies' blend of veteran acumen, combined with promising young talents, gives them a balanced approach as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Romano and his ability to assert himself once again as a dominant force. The Phillies' ambitions are clearly set on making a deep postseason run, and Romano's performance could play a pivotal role in determining their success. Phillies fans have every reason to feel optimistic as their team gears up to contend with a roster fortified by this latest acquisition.