One Month after Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins stated that Jordan Romano will return to the team as team is heavily pursuing the star's return reports claiming his contract with Phillies have taken internet by a storm. One of the best closers in Toronto Blue Jays history, has found a new home with the Philadelphia Phillies. According to multiple sources, Romano signed a one-year contract with the Phillies on Monday. The Markham, Ontario native, who was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 10th round of the 2014 draft, has established himself as a key reliever in Major League Baseball.
Romano’s career began as a starter, but after being selected in the 2019 Rule 5 draft and later returned to the Blue Jays, he transitioned to a bullpen role. His first year in the bullpen was rocky, as Romano posted a 7.63 ERA and a 6.41 FIP in 15.1 innings during the 2019 season. However, he broke out in 2020, finishing with a stellar 1.23 ERA and a 3.12 FIP in 14.2 innings, proving himself as a reliable late-game option.
Romano’s Rise as Blue Jays' Closer
Romano's success continued as he became the Blue Jays' full-time closer in 2021. He finished the season with a 2.14 ERA and a 3.15 FIP in 63 innings, posting a 33.6 K% and a 9.9 BB%. Romano saved 23 of 24 opportunities, solidifying his role as the team’s primary closer. In 2022, Romano maintained his dominant performance, recording a 2.11 ERA and a 2.82 FIP in 64 innings, saving 36 games out of 42 chances.
2023 Performance and Setbacks
Romano’s 2023 season was still strong, although slightly less dominant than the previous two years. He posted a 2.90 ERA and a 3.46 FIP in 59 innings, with a 29 K% and a 9.7 BB%, saving 36 of 40 opportunities. However, 2024 proved to be a challenging year for Romano. After starting the season on the Injured List due to an elbow issue, he struggled upon his return, recording a 6.59 ERA and a 6.17 FIP in 13.2 innings. Romano was ultimately shut down for the remainder of the season following arthroscopic surgery to repair an impingement in his throwing elbow.
Blue Jays Part Ways with Romano
Despite having one more year of team control, the Blue Jays decided to non-tender Romano, likely due to his injury history, making him a free agent. Romano’s departure marks a bittersweet end to his time in Toronto, as he had an impressive career with the Blue Jays but only pitched three innings during the postseason.
General Manager Ross Atkins had previously expressed confidence in Romano's health, saying, "I feel like he will be back physically. We have no medical concerns."
Romano’s Career Achievements and Move to the Phillies
Romano’s time with the Blue Jays saw him earn back-to-back All-Star selections in 2022 and 2023, along with notable career achievements. In 2022, he finished third in the American League with 36 saves in 42 opportunities, with a career-best 2.11 ERA and 73 strikeouts. Romano was also awarded the Tip O'Neill Award as the best Canadian-born baseball player by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2023, he saved 36 games again, posting a 2.90 ERA in 59 innings.
Over his career with the Blue Jays, Romano amassed a 2.90 ERA across 229.2 innings, with 105 saves and a 20-17 record. His move to the Philadelphia Phillies is a significant step in his career as he joins a team that could be losing Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez to free agency.
Romano's Contract and Expectations with the Phillies
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported that Romano's deal with the Phillies exceeds his projected arbitration number of $7.75 million. With the Phillies, Romano is expected to bolster their bullpen and provide stability in the late innings, bringing his proven closing ability to a new team. As Romano begins this new chapter, his experience and skillset will be crucial as he looks to return to top form after a difficult 2024 season.
