Phillies Bolster Bullpen with Addition of Former Blue Jays Closer Jordan Romano
In a strategic move to deepen their bullpen, the Philadelphia Phillies have signed former Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano to a one-year contract worth over $7.75 million. This latest acquisition signals the Phillies' ambition to strengthen their pitching roster as they look to fill the void left by the departure of Carlos Estévez, who has entered free agency.
The 31-year-old Romano enters the Phillies’ ranks after being non-tendered by the Blue Jays. His recent tenure with Toronto was marred by an elbow injury that ultimately required surgery. Despite posting a challenging 6.59 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in just 15 appearances last season, Romano's addition to the team is seen as a high-reward gamble, given his impressive performance from 2019 to 2021. During that period, he achieved a standout 2.37 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, collecting 230 strikeouts across 186 innings.
The Phillies' management is well aware that for Romano to successfully replace the likes of Estévez and contribute to late-inning scenarios, he must reclaim the form that once made him a formidable presence on the mound. The pressure will be on Romano to prove that his forthcoming season with the Phillies is free from the ailments that hampered his last year in Toronto.
Supporting Cast Eyes Success
Romano is not expected to carry the bullpen's weight alone. The Phillies have strategically lined up additional firepower to support their new acquisition. Right-handed pitchers Orion Kerkering and José Ruiz are viable options in the late-inning moot, offering the mix of velocity and precision that could complement Romano’s return to form. Furthermore, left-hander Matt Strahm, who delivered an impressive performance during the 2024 season, adds a balanced measure of finesse and adaptability to the bullpen lineup.
The bullpen's strength might also see contributions from Tanner Banks, who proved effective in his outings towards the end of last season. His consistency and tactical versatility make him a dependable option for Phillies’ manager, who will likely utilize Banks in high-leverage situations where every pitch counts.
Challenges and Opportunities for Improvement
The bullpen's dynamics present both challenges and opportunities for improvement. José Alvarado, for instance, experienced a noticeable regression last season, with his ERA shifting from an impressive 1.74 in 2023 to a less than stellar 4.09. His decreased strikeout rate, coupled with an uptick in walks, underscores a need for recalibration. While Alvarado’s past performance highlights his potential, the upcoming season will be crucial for him to regain his elite form and provide stability in the bullpen.
As the Phillies continue to assess and adjust their pitching strategies, Romano's health and ability to return to his past form will be pivotal to their success. The integration of fresh and existing talent within the bullpen indeed hints at a promising makeover, but execution and teamwork will determine whether these strategic acquisitions translate into on-field success.
The upcoming season presents an open canvas for the Phillies, with Romano's addition being a stroke intended to strengthen their backbone. As Spring Training looms, all eyes will be on how these moving parts come together to forge a cohesive, effective bullpen capable of anchoring the team's quest for success in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.