DALLAS -- The Phillies addressed a glaring need in their bullpen Monday, signing right-handed reliever Jordan Romano to a one-year, $8.5 million deal. The agreement comes after Romano was non-tendered by the Toronto Blue Jays, a surprising move given his previous success as one of baseball’s top closers.
The Phillies officially announced the deal on Monday night, with a press conference scheduled for Tuesday via Zoom.
Romano, 31, endured an injury-marred 2024 campaign, logging just 13⅔ innings and posting a 6.59 ERA before undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow. It was a sharp departure from the four seasons prior, during which Romano ranked among the league’s elite relievers. From 2020 to 2023, he compiled a 2.29 ERA across 200⅔ innings, striking out 251 while walking 75.
Toronto, unwilling to meet Romano’s $7.75 million arbitration projection, opted to non-tender him rather than retain him or explore a trade. The move made Romano a free agent, and Philadelphia acted quickly to secure his services.
He'll earn an additional $500k in 2025 if he pitches 60 innings.
With Romano on the roster, Fangraphs estimates Philadelphia's 2025 payroll to sit around $271 million - ballooning to $290 million with luxury taxes added.
“We saw a great opportunity to add a proven arm with elite stuff,” a Phillies source said.
The Phillies are looking to reshape a bullpen that faltered in the National League Division Series against the Mets. The unit posted an 11.37 ERA in the series, blowing leads and playing a significant role in the team’s early playoff exit.
“We saw a great opportunity to add a proven arm with elite stuff,” a Phillies source said.
The Phillies are looking to reshape a bullpen that faltered in the National League Division Series against the Mets. The unit posted an 11.37 ERA in the series, blowing leads and playing a significant role in the team’s early playoff exit.
After entering the offseason with questions about the futures of All-Star relievers Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez, both free agents, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski prioritized bullpen upgrades.
Romano’s arsenal includes a fastball that averages 97 mph and a swing-and-miss slider, which he throws nearly half the time. At his best, he averaged 62 innings per season from 2020-2023 and earned two All-Star selections. His 7.4 Baseball-Reference Wins Above Replacement during that span led all relievers, edging out Milwaukee’s Devin Williams.
The Canadian-born Romano was a fan favorite in Toronto, known for his fiery demeanor and reliable ninth-inning presence. Across his six-year career, he has saved 105 games with a 2.90 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP.
In Philadelphia, Romano will join a late-inning mix that includes All-Star Matt Strahm, right-hander Orion Kerkering, and hard-throwing lefties José Alvarado and Gregory Soto. While manager Rob Thomson employed a closer-by-committee approach for much of 2024, Romano’s pedigree could position him for save opportunities in 2025—provided his health and effectiveness return.
The Phillies, who finished 95-67 and won the National League East, are banking on Romano’s upside to stabilize a bullpen that cost them dearly in October. If he can replicate his pre-injury form, Romano might be the key to avoiding another postseason collapse.
Romano’s arsenal includes a fastball that averages 97 mph and a swing-and-miss slider, which he throws nearly half the time. At his best, he averaged 62 innings per season from 2020-2023 and earned two All-Star selections. His 7.4 Baseball-Reference Wins Above Replacement during that span led all relievers, edging out Milwaukee’s Devin Williams.
The Canadian-born Romano was a fan favorite in Toronto, known for his fiery demeanor and reliable ninth-inning presence. Across his six-year career, he has saved 105 games with a 2.90 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP.
In Philadelphia, Romano will join a late-inning mix that includes All-Star Matt Strahm, right-hander Orion Kerkering, and hard-throwing lefties José Alvarado and Gregory Soto. While manager Rob Thomson employed a closer-by-committee approach for much of 2024, Romano’s pedigree could position him for save opportunities in 2025—provided his health and effectiveness return.
The Phillies, who finished 95-67 and won the National League East, are banking on Romano’s upside to stabilize a bullpen that cost them dearly in October. If he can replicate his pre-injury form, Romano might be the key to avoiding another postseason collapse.
