Phillies Strengthen Bullpen with Acquisition of Jordan Romano
In a strategic bolstering of their bullpen options, the Philadelphia Phillies have secured the services of Jordan Romano, a former closer with the Toronto Blue Jays, in a one-year deal valued at over $7.75 million. The signing promises to bring experienced depth to a Phillies team aiming to solidify its late-inning pitching scenarios.
The 31-year-old Romano faced challenges last season, battling an elbow injury that ultimately required surgical intervention. This setback was reflected in his performance, where he posted a 6.59 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP across 15 appearances. Despite these struggles, the Phillies are banking on Romano's potential return to form, recalling his impressive track record from 2019 to 2021. During this period, Romano maintained a 2.37 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, striking out 230 batters over 186 innings, showcasing the kind of effectiveness Philadelphia hopes he can rediscover.
Romano's arrival comes as the Phillies prepare for the departure of Carlos Estévez, who has entered free agency. The team's management is optimistic that Romano, alongside other bullpen members, can fill the void left by Estévez. Right-handers Orion Kerkering and José Ruiz, together with left-hander Matt Strahm, are expected to support Romano in critical late-game situations.
Matt Strahm, in particular, is coming off an impressive 2024 season, demonstrating versatility and reliability in the bullpen. This positive performance, coupled with the potential contributions of Romano, could ease the transition in the Phillies' bullpen dynamics.
Among the bullpen cast, Tanner Banks emerged as another effective arm in the closing stages of last season. His ability to maintain stability in late innings was a crucial factor for the team. Meanwhile, José Alvarado, after a stellar 2023 season with an ERA of 1.74, saw his numbers inflate to a 4.09 ERA last season. Alvarado's strikeout rate also declined, accompanied by an increase in his walk rate, which management will be monitoring closely as they head into the new season.
These shifts in bullpen personnel and performance are critical for the Phillies as they aim to maintain competitiveness in a challenging division. Romano's experience and previous success are valuable assets that the Phillies hope can integrate well with their current roster, providing the team with much-needed stability and reliability.
The signing of Romano signifies Philadelphia's commitment to strengthening its bullpen, a crucial component for any team with postseason aspirations. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Romano to see if he can recapture the form that once made him one of the most feared closers in baseball.