Apr 22, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Jordan Romano (68) pitches during the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports Jay Biggerstaff
The Phillies have signed veteran right-handed reliever Jordan Romano, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Jim Salisbury of PHLY was the first to report that the Phillies had interest in the reliever.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic says that the deal will pay Romano $8.5 million in 2024, with another $500,000 available in incentives if he reaches 60 innings pitched.
Romano was recently non-tendered by the Toronto Blue Jays, following a brutal 2024 season that saw him post a 6.59 ERA and 6.17 FIP across just 15 appearances. He spent the bulk of the season in the injured list with right elbow inflammation. On July 3, Romano had what turned out to be season-ending arthroscopic surgery to correct an impingement in the right elbow.
However, in the two seasons prior, Romano was one of the better relievers in baseball. The 31-year-old was an All-Star in both 2022 and 2023, posting a 2.49 ERA over 122 games and recording 72 saves.
Both Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez remain free agents. It remains to be seen if either — both of whom are expected to get multi-year deals — will return to the Phillies now that Romano has joined the bullpen.
