Phillies Strengthen Bullpen with Addition of Jordan Romano
The Philadelphia Phillies have made a significant move to bolster their bullpen by acquiring former Toronto Blue Jays closer, Jordan Romano, on a one-year deal worth over $7.75 million. Romano's addition comes as the Phillies aim to enhance their late-inning options, following the departure of Carlos Estévez to free agency.
A New Chapter for Jordan Romano
Jordan Romano, 31, found himself in free agency after being non-tendered by the Blue Jays. This marks an opportunity for the seasoned right-hander to rejuvenate his career with the Phillies. Although his recent stint in Toronto was overshadowed by an elbow injury that required surgery, Romano's past performance speaks volumes about his capabilities as a formidable force in the bullpen.
In the 2023 season, Romano struggled to find his footing, posting a 6.59 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP over 15 appearances. However, this was a deviation from his usual form. From 2019 to 2021, Romano was a dominant presence on the mound, maintaining a stellar 2.37 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, with 230 strikeouts in 186 innings pitched. These numbers are a testament to his prowess as a closing pitcher, highlighting the potential value he brings to a Phillies bullpen looking for stability and assurance in high-pressure situations.
Replacing a Key Piece
The Phillies' move to sign Romano comes in the wake of Carlos Estévez's departure, creating a gap in the team's bullpen that needed addressing. The organization hopes that Romano’s past success can translate into impactful performances in Philadelphia, particularly in close games that require lockdown pitching in the final innings.
Alongside Romano, the Phillies are considering varied options to solidify their bullpen's depth. Right-handed pitchers Orion Kerkering and José Ruiz, along with left-hander Matt Strahm, are expected to play pivotal roles in supporting Romano during late-inning scenarios. Matt Strahm, in particular, had an impressive 2024 season with the team, underscoring his reliability as a pitcher the Phillies can depend on moving forward.
Adapting Strategies for Success
Additionally, the Phillies have Tanner Banks, who was effective in his outings late last season, providing further stability in the bullpen. Meanwhile, José Alvarado, another key member of the bullpen, saw a decline in his performance metrics last season. His ERA increased from an impressive 1.74 in 2023 to 4.09 subsequently, coupled with a drop in strikeout rates and a rise in walks. The team will be keen on seeing a turnaround in Alvarado’s performance as they attempt to fortify their relief pitching cadre.
With Romano now in the fold, the Phillies are hopeful that his arrival will foster healthy competition and drive other bullpen arms to perform at their best. The ability to close tight games is critical for a team with aspirations of making deep playoff runs, and Romano's experience and skill set fit the bill for what the Phillies need at this juncture.
Aiming for Excellence
The signing of Jordan Romano reflects the Phillies' commitment to addressing their needs and strategically assembling a bullpen that can withstand the rigors of a long season. As Romano embarks on this new chapter in Philadelphia, both he and the team are poised to benefit from his veteran presence and his proven capability to dominate hitters when healthy.
As the Phillies prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will remain on how well the relievers can work together to maintain leads and close out games effectively. Romano's addition is a strategic piece of the puzzle, and fans will eagerly anticipate seeing how this experienced closer can contribute to the Phillies' pursuit of success.