DALLAS — The Phillies are betting on Jordan Romano’s return to dominance in 2025.
The Phillies and Romano on Monday night time finalized a one-year contract that is price $8.5 million, in accordance with sources. Romano, 31, was one in every of baseball’s finest closers from 2021-23 earlier than struggling a proper elbow damage final season. The Blue Jays non-tendered Romano following the season, though they stated his medicals had been OK.
Romano posted a 2.37 ERA, saved 95 video games and made two AL All-Star groups from 2021-23, hanging out 230 and strolling 70 in 186 innings. He posted an MLB-best 7.4 WAR amongst relievers in these three years, in accordance with Baseball Reference. (Milwaukee’s Devin Williams ranked second with 6.3 WAR.)
However Romano suffered an elbow damage this 12 months and he didn’t pitch after Could 29. He had arthroscopic surgical procedure on his elbow in July.
It’s unclear if this transfer brings an finish to the Phillies tenure of Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman. Each pitched within the ninth inning for Philadelphia final season, however each are additionally free brokers. That Romano is seeking to re-establish himself as one of many recreation’s prime closers may permit the Phils to make room for one more right-handed reliever, although.
Final week, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski stated they’d probably purchase just one righty reliever to enhance a bunch that features left-handers Matt Strahm, José Alvarado and Tanner Banks, and right-handers Orion Kerkering and José Ruiz.
