Romano Joins Phillies: Adding Depth to the Bullpen
The Philadelphia Phillies have bolstered their bullpen by signing former Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano. The team announced the acquisition as a one-year deal valued at over $7.75 million, signaling their intent to strengthen late-inning options after Carlos Estévez's departure to free agency.
A Promising Addition
Jordan Romano, 31, brings a wealth of experience to Philadelphia's bullpen, though his recent performances have been hampered by injury. Last season, Romano's struggles on the mound, marked by an elbow injury that eventually required surgery, were evident. Across 15 appearances, he posted a 6.59 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP—a significant outlier compared to his previous form.
From 2019 to 2021, Romano demonstrated why he was entrusted with closing duties north of the border. During that period, he achieved an impressive 2.37 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, striking out 230 batters in 186 innings. His recent non-tendering by the Blue Jays, however, opened the door for the Phillies to make a shrewd acquisition aimed at revitalizing Romano's storied repertoire.
Supporting Cast and Competition
The transition into the Phillies' bullpen offers Romano a fresh environment alongside a compelling mix of right-handed and left-handed pitchers. Orion Kerkering and José Ruiz stand ready as right-handed bullpen options, while left-hander Matt Strahm, who commanded attention for his achievements last season with the Phillies, is also in the mix.
With Tanner Banks contributing effectively in his late-season appearances for Philadelphia, the bullpen appears armed with competent personnel to provide the support Romano will need. Nonetheless, competition among pitchers will likely drive each to step up performance as the season unfolds.
A Look at Recent Performances
Matt Strahm's standout 2024 season has left fans optimistic about his continued contributions. Strahm's ability to deliver quality innings remains vital, particularly considering the notable decline in José Alvarado's performance. Last year's increase in Alvarado's ERA—from 1.74 in 2023 to 4.09—along with a decline in strikeouts and a rise in walk rates, raises questions about reliability that the addition of Romano may help to address.
Jordan Romano's acquisition by the Phillies not only highlights a strategic move to replace the void left by Estévez but underscores the organization's focused approach to building a formidable bullpen. Should Romano recapture the form he displayed in the seasons prior to his injury setbacks, the Phillies could find themselves with a crucial asset in tightly contested late-game situations.
Rekindling Past Success
Stepping onto the mound in Citizens Bank Park, Romano will be eager to prove his mettle, shaking off the lingering effects of surgery and embracing a new chapter in a different league. Under the guidance of the Phillies' coaching staff, Romano will have the opportunity to reclaim the dominance that characterized his earlier stints in Major League Baseball.
The one-year nature of Romano's deal provides motivation for the closer to showcase his previous prowess while allowing the Phillies to assess his long-term fit within their ranks. As spring training progresses, eyes will be keenly watching Romano's adaptability and performance trajectory as the bullpen makeup takes shape.
For the Phillies, bringing in Jordan Romano represents more than a mere roster addition; it is an investment in rediscovering a potent closer combined with a calculated complement of arms poised to contribute to a well-rounded relief lineup. Fans in Philadelphia will hope that, with health and resilience, Romano's journey through the 2024 season becomes one of resurgence and reliability.