Jordan Romano was surprised when his hometown team non-tendered him late last month.
But the Markham, Ont., native wasn't a free agent for long. The two-time All-Star signed a one-year, $8.5-million deal — including a $500,000 bonus if he throws 60 innings — with the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday.
“I guess it was a little surprising, but I guess I understand,” said Romano during his introductory press conference with Phillies media on Tuesday. “Last year was a tougher year for me, very frustrating, (it took me) maybe a little bit by surprise. But I guess it was in the back of my head after a poor season.”
The 31-year-old ranked fourth among Major League relief pitchers in saves from 2021-23 but struggled with performance and health issues in 2024.
Romano first dealt with elbow soreness during spring training and didn’t look himself upon returning to the mound, pitching to a 6.59 ERA and 1.46 WHIP over 13.2 innings.
This was well below the 2.37 ERA and 1.09 WHIP that he had during his three full seasons in the Blue Jays’ closer role. Further, his strikeout minus walk rate — a strong evaluation tool for relievers — dipped from 21.1 per cent to 14.5 per cent in 2024.
“In the past, I feel like those performances (are) more characteristic of what I expect from myself,” said Romano. “This year, I really want to get back on track to more of that. You know I’m feeling healthy and good now, so I just wanted the one year to kind of get back out there and prove my work.”
The six-foot-five right-hander was sent to free agency one year early by the Blue Jays' decision but his Phillies contract will pay more than the $7.75 million he was projected to make in arbitration by MLB Trade Rumours. The Blue Jays could have offered him a minimum of $6.2 million in arbitration — a 20 per cent reduction of his 2024 salary — according to league rules.
After making 15 relief appearances in April and May last season, Romano’s elbow flared up again. He was diagnosed with right elbow inflammation and missed the remainder of the schedule after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to alleviate the issue.
“The whole plan last year was never really to come back at the end of the year,” said Romano.
The Canadian reliever threw a bullpen session in front of Blue Jays personnel in November to serve as an update on his recovery progress prior to being non-tendered.
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