Phillies gamble on bounce-back deal for Jordan Romano, sign former Toronto Blue Jays reliever to a 1-year contract

The Phillies are taking a calculated gamble on Jordan Romano, signing the 31-year-old reliever to a one-year contract, per multiple reports. The deal is reportedly above Romano’s projected arbitration number of $7.75 million, but exact terms remain unclear.

After a nightmare 2024 season, Romano comes to Philadelphia looking to regain the form that made him one of baseball’s most reliable closers from 2020-2023. If he can get back to that level, this signing could be a steal for the Phillies.

Jordan Romano: Filth

Jordan Romano, Filth. 😷

And, ends the game, appropriately, with a White Castle Special…to Burger. 🤮🍔🍔🍔 pic.twitter.com/mvoHmX8T5A

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 5, 2023

2024 was a season to forget for Jordan Romano. He made just 15 appearances before hitting the injured list in July, eventually undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery.

Toronto tried to bring him back late in the season, but those plans were scrapped, leaving Romano with a frustrating finish to the year.

The Phillies are obviously banking on the pre-2024 version of Romano, and for good reason because when healthy, he’s been elite:

• 2020: 1.23 ERA in 15 games
• 2021: 2.14 ERA in 62 games
• 2022: 2.11 ERA in 63 games
• 2023: 2.90 ERA in 59 games

Jordan Romano as a Blue Jay:

• 2x All Star
• 285 Strikeouts
• 105 Saves
• Blue Jays All-time Consecutive Save Leader
• Canadian Baseball Player of the Year
• 3rd All-Time in Saves in Blue Jays Franchise History

From 2020 to 2023, Romano recorded 105 saves, including 95 across a dominant three-year stretch. Those numbers put him in the top tier of backend relievers when he’s at full strength.

Jordan Romano’s stats from 2020 to 2023 with the Toronto Blue Jays:

200.2 IP | 141 H | 51 ER | 75 BB | 251 K | 97 SV | 2.29 ERA | 3.13 FIP pic.twitter.com/fNVrVK7AgM

— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) December 9, 2024

Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham has a proven track record of turning struggling arms into success stories. Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm, and José Ruiz all thrived under his guidance in 2023, and the hope is that Romano can be the next comeback project.

There’s risk here, of course. Elbow injuries are tricky, and Romano’s effectiveness will depend on how well he’s recovered from surgery. But if Cotham can unlock the 2021-2023 version of Romano, this deal could look like a bargain by midseason.

Jordan Romano’s walk-up felt like a scene straight out of a movie.

Jordan Romano’s walk-up felt like a scene straight out of a movie. 🎬 pic.twitter.com/8kcd2Bccbi

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 15, 2023

You can tell when Romano's arm is ready to strike. 🐍 pic.twitter.com/vJ4xuot7J2

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 29, 2023

Romano’s signing is a solid step, but the bullpen still needs more reinforcements. Dave Dombrowski hinted a few weeks ago that the Phillies might only be looking to add one arm in the bullpen this winter, but that seems unlikely given their reported interest in a Jeff Hoffman reunion.

Romano’s health is the wild card, but the Phillies are betting that a change of scenery and Cotham’s expertise can help him recapture his peak form. If it works out, this signing has the potential to be one of the offseason’s best bargains.

For now, though, the work isn’t done. The Phillies need another arm or two to solidify the bullpen and give themselves a shot at October redemption. Romano’s signing is a great start, but let’s see how the rest of the offseason plays out.

Join The Chase