Phillies Bolster Bullpen with Signing of Former Blue Jays Closer Jordan Romano
In a calculated move to fortify their bullpen, the Philadelphia Phillies have reached an agreement with Jordan Romano, a former closer for the Toronto Blue Jays. The one-year deal, reportedly worth over $7.75 million, comes following Romano's non-tender by the Blue Jays.
Romano, who is 31 years old, brings a mix of accomplished past performances and recent challenges to Philadelphia. Last season was particularly difficult for the right-hander as an elbow injury, which eventually required surgery, plagued his appearances. His struggles were evident in his 15 outings, where he recorded a 6.59 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. These numbers were a far cry from his dominant run between 2019 and 2021, during which he secured a 2.37 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, alongside 230 strikeouts over 186 innings.
The timing of Romano's arrival in Philadelphia is strategic. The Phillies are navigating the offseason with uncertainty surrounding their bullpen, primarily due to the departure of Carlos Estévez, now a free agent. The acquisition of a seasoned closer like Romano injects experience and potential stability into their late-inning strategy. Despite his recent setbacks, Romano's track record makes him a key asset, should he return to form. The Phillies appear keen to provide him with this opportunity, presumably betting on his capability to rebound from injury and previous successes.
Potential Bullpen Dynamics
In Philadelphia, Romano is not expected to shoulder the closing duties alone. Right-handed pitchers Orion Kerkering and José Ruiz, along with left-hander Matt Strahm, are poised to offer robust support for Romano in critical late-game scenarios. Strahm, in particular, enjoyed an impressive 2024 season with the Phillies, carving a niche for himself in their pitching rotation.
The strategic merger of talents underscores the Phillies' intent to construct a versatile bullpen capable of handling diverse in-game challenges. Tanner Banks also proved his mettle with effective performances towards the end of the last season, adding depth to the list of reliable relief options.
Romano's role as closer, or potentially sharing the responsibility, will depend heavily on his recovery trajectory and ability to recapture his pre-injury form. The Phillies' coaching staff will likely monitor his progress closely to determine the most effective bullpen strategies moving forward.
Alvarado's Performance Concerns
Meanwhile, José Alvarado, another key arm in the bullpen, experienced a significant dip in performance last season. His ERA increased from a sterling 1.74 in 2023 to a concerning 4.09 last year. Both his declining strikeout rate and rising walk rate highlight areas that need addressing if the Phillies are to optimize their bullpen effectiveness.
The convergence of Romano's entry and the evaluation of existing staff like Alvarado signals a period of assessment and potential overhaul for the Phillies' bullpen dynamics. Management appears determined to refine bullpen operations through strategic signings and internal adjustments.
Looking Ahead
Romano's signing adds an intriguing element to the Phillies' offseason narrative. It embodies a broader goal to maintain competitive form in the upcoming season by reinforcing a bullpen that's integral to sustaining winning momentum. While Romano's recent past is marked by injury and underperformance, the Phillies' investment reflects a belief in his capacity for recovery and redemption.
As Romano prepares to don the Phillies uniform, the coming months will equip the team with insights into his readiness to reclaim his status as a reliable closer. Should Romano rediscover his form, he could well become a linchpin in Philadelphia's push for success in the upcoming season.