The Philadelphia Phillies have reached an agreement with right-handed pitcher Jordan Romano on a one-year contract, according to reports by ESPN’s Jeff Passan and The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. The deal is set at $7.75 million, matching Romano’s projected arbitration figure for the 2024 season.
A Proven Closer
Romano, who turns 32 in February, joins the Phillies after a challenging 2023 season plagued by injuries with the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite the setbacks, Romano has built a reputation as one of baseball’s top closers over the past few years. Between 2021 and 2023, he saved 95 games for Toronto, boasting a stellar 2.37 ERA across 186 innings.
During that span, Romano struck out 30.3% of batters while maintaining a 9.2% walk rate and generating ground balls on 42.3% of balls in play. His performance placed him among the league’s elite relievers, showcasing his ability to handle high-leverage situations.
Phillies Betting on a Bounceback
Philadelphia is banking on a return to form for Romano, who struggled to stay on the mound in 2023. While the exact nature of his injuries was not detailed, the Phillies believe that a healthy Romano can regain his dominance and bolster their bullpen as they aim for another deep postseason run.
Romano’s signing also addresses one of the Phillies’ key offseason priorities: fortifying their late-inning relief options. With his track record as a reliable closer, Romano provides depth and experience to a bullpen that showed inconsistencies in 2023.
Phillies’ Interest Confirmed
Reports of the Phillies’ interest in Romano surfaced earlier in the offseason, with veteran reporter Jim Salisbury highlighting the team’s pursuit. Romano’s availability in free agency presented Philadelphia with an opportunity to add a seasoned arm without a long-term commitment.
What This Means for the Phillies
Romano’s addition is part of the Phillies’ larger strategy to build a championship-caliber roster. Following a National League pennant in 2022 and a playoff appearance in 2023, the team is determined to stay competitive in the highly-contested NL East.
The one-year deal allows the Phillies flexibility while giving Romano a chance to rebuild his value. If he performs well, he could be a cornerstone of their bullpen or a candidate for a longer-term extension.
Romano’s Reaction
Neither Romano nor the Phillies have publicly commented on the deal as of yet, but the move signifies mutual confidence in his ability to contribute at a high level.
With Romano’s signing, the Phillies have made a strong statement about their commitment to addressing their bullpen needs ahead of the 2024 season.