The Philadelphia Phillies are taking a calculated risk by signing free agent reliever **Jordan Romano** to a one-year deal, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Pending a physical, Romano will join the Phillies in hopes of revitalizing a bullpen that saw key losses with Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez entering free agency.
Romano, a two-time All-Star, was a dominant closer from 2020-2023 with a 2.29 ERA and 97 saves, ranking among the best in baseball. However, his 2024 season was marred by injuries, including elbow surgery, which limited him to 15 appearances and subpar results (6.59 ERA, -0.3 WAR).
Despite these struggles, the Phillies are betting on a bounce-back campaign as he enters free agency a year earlier than expected due to the Blue Jays’ decision to non-tender him.
The one-year deal, worth more than the $7.75 million he was projected to earn in arbitration, provides the Phillies with a potential high-reward addition without a long-term commitment.
If Romano regains his previous form, he could fill the void left by Hoffman and Estévez, anchoring a bullpen that still includes reliable arms like **Matt Strahm**, **José Alvarado**, and young talent **Orion Kerkering**.
The move also signals the Phillies’ intent to remain competitive while addressing bullpen depth with economical options. Romano’s success or struggles could play a pivotal role in shaping their postseason aspirations for 2025.
