PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies have signed closer Jordan Romano to a one-year contract, making a short-term bet that the right-hander can return to form following a right elbow injury.
The Phillies announced the deal on Monday. They did not provide the terms of the agreement, but it is reportedly worth $8.5 million.
An All-Star in 2022 and 2023, Romano spent the first six seasons of his major league career with the Toronto Blue Jays. He has 105 career saves and a 2.90 ERA in 231 relief appearances.
Of the 17 pitchers in the majors with at least 100 save opportunities since 2019, Romano’s 88.98% save percentage ranks second, trailing only Josh Hader (187 for 210, 89.04%). Among all pitchers in baseball since 2019, Romano’s 105 saves rank ninth.
The 31-year-old Romano was limited to just eight saves in 15 games last season. He had arthroscopic surgery on his elbow in July.
Romano’s arrival could lead to the departures of one or both of Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman from Philadelphia. The former All-Star relievers both closed games for the Phillies last season but each suffered epic meltdowns in the postseason. Both pitchers are free agents.
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