Phillies Bolster Bullpen with Signing of Jordan Romano
The Philadelphia Phillies have made a significant move to enhance their bullpen by acquiring former Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano. The Phillies, in need of a reliable presence in their late-inning rotation, have signed Romano to a one-year deal valued at over $7.75 million. This strategic acquisition underscores Philadelphia’s ambition to solidify their pitching staff following the departure of Carlos Estévez, who is now testing the free-agent market.
At 31, Jordan Romano arrives in Philadelphia with a wealth of experience but also with a bit of a question mark. His recent tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays came to an abrupt end when he was non-tendered, largely attributed to a troublesome elbow injury that plagued his past season. The injury, which necessitated surgery, limited his appearances to 15 games, during which he struggled mightily, posting a 6.59 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP.
The Phillies, however, are banking on Romano regaining the form that made him a formidable closer not long ago. Between 2019 and 2021, Romano showcased his prowess on the mound, boasting an impressive 2.37 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP and amassing 230 strikeouts over 186 innings. This track record offers a glimpse into the potential impact Romano could have if he returns to full fitness and reclaims his prior form.
Philadelphia's strategy seems clear: complementing Romano with a mix of seasoned and emerging talent in the bullpen to navigate the challenges of late-inning scenarios. Right-handers Orion Kerkering and José Ruiz, alongside left-hander Matt Strahm, are among the key figures poised to support Romano. Particularly, Matt Strahm is coming off an impressive 2024 season with the Phillies, where his performances cemented his reliability in high-pressure situations.
Tanner Banks also made a mark during his stint late last season, contributing effectively and further reinforcing the pitching depth. His ability to sustain this level of performance will be crucial as manager Rob Thomson devises his bullpen strategies.
The Phillies will additionally look to address issues within their current roster. José Alvarado, who saw his ERA rise from a stellar 1.74 in 2023 to a notably less impressive 4.09 last season, needs to find consistency. His decline in strikeout rate, coupled with an uptick in his walk rate, signifies areas that require attention during the coming months.
For the current Phillies roster, the integration of Jordan Romano offers an opportunity to recalibrate and strengthen their bullpen for the upcoming season. Much will depend on his health and his ability to overcome the setbacks of the previous year. If Romano can harness his previous success, he could become a linchpin for Philadelphia, potentially transforming their late-game dynamics.
As the Phillies gear up for a competitive season ahead, fans will be eager to see how these new and existing components of the bullpen converge under game-day pressures. With opening day on the horizon, the city of Philadelphia remains hopeful that these calculated adjustments will pay dividends, driving the team toward new heights.