How Jordan Romano Fits The Phillies

During the Winter Meetings, the Phillies signed one player, right-handed reliever Jordan Romano. The deal is for one year and $8.5 million. Romano, 31, will have a chance to earn more money through incentives.

The 31-year-old was non-tendered by the Blue Jays in November. He was limited to 15 appearances last season, missing most of the year with an elbow injury. Romano allowed 10 runs over 13 2/3 innings with eight saves.

Before his limited 2024 campaign, Romano was one of the best late-inning relievers in baseball between 2021 and 2023. The right-hander was a two-time All-Star, with 184 appearances and 95 saves during that stretch.

The Phillies were in need of a late-inning reliever. Jeff Hoffman and trade-deadline acquisition Carlos Estévez are free agents, and neither may return to Philadelphia. Romano’s past makes him an interesting player for 2025. It’s a low-risk, high-reward situation for the Phillies.

A Deeper Look At Romano’s Best Work

Romano’s 95 saves between 2021 and 2023 were fourth-most in baseball. He trailed only Josh Hader (103), Kenley Jansen (108), and Emmanuel Clase (110). His other numbers over those three seasons are also impressive.

For more context, the league-average reliever from 2021 to 2023 posted a 4.07 ERA, held opponents to a .708 OPS, had a 23.7% strikeout rate, and walked 9.5% of batters faced. Romano topped all those numbers.

At his best, Romano gives hitters a look at a high-90s four-seamer and mid-to-high 80s slider.

Here’s a look at his fastball in use:

Here’s his slider in use against a pair of his new teammates, Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos:

Injury

Romano started 2024 on Toronto’s 10-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. He was activated in mid-April but landed back on the shelf at the end of May. The right-hander made no more appearances after that. He underwent surgery over the summer.

Speaking with reporters on Dec. 10, Romano described his injury and current health status.

“It was discomfort at the back of the elbow when I was throwing, and it would get worse when I would throw more,” Romano said about his injury, which had been described as an elbow impingement. As for the surgery, Romano said, “I think they went into the back of the elbow and scoped the elbow… and removed some loose bodies back there and kind of cleaned it up.”

Romano said he feels good post-rehab. He worked his way back to throwing off a mound and recently reached the mid-90s with his fastball. He’s done throwing off a mound now that he’s comfortable with his velocity. Romano said he’s going to be “de-loading” for now. He’ll start throwing bullpens again in January.

2025 Contract and Role

Romano’s $8.5 million salary is above the $7.75 million MLB Trade Rumors projected him to make through arbitration had he not been non-tendered by Toronto. The Phillies were competing with other clubs to sign the right-hander, who wanted a one-year deal to re-establish himself as a top high-leverage arm. He hopes to cash in through free agency next winter.

As far is he role with the Phillies, Romano hasn’t had any solid discussions with the club regarding it. Romano said he loves closing but is open to helping his new team by pitching wherever they need him.

The two-time All-Star will certainly be used in the later innings. But the Phillies haven’t always employed a full-time closer in recent years, as manager Rob Thomson uses his high-leverage arms based on matchups in late-game situations. Some guys have found themselves as the de facto closer at times, though. Thomson isn’t afraid to ride a hot hand in the ninth inning if someone emerges for that specific role.

The Phillies likely won’t name a set closer at the start of next season, or at all. But Romano could certainly pitch his way into being the club’s closer as 2025 unfolds, especially if he remains healthy and returns to form. Romano joins a backend of the bullpen that currently consists of left-handers José Alvarado and Matt Strahm and right-hander Orion Kerkering.