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3 bullpen pieces the Phillies could still add after losing out on Darren O’Day

By David Esser

Sep 27, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Tyler Clippard (36) throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds during the seventh inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Tyler Clippard (36) throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds during the seventh inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Phillies Sergio Romo
Sep 27, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Sergio Romo (54) throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds during the tenth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Sergio Romo

Another aging right-hander still without a team, Sergio Romo has a resume that would land him $7+ million in a normal offseason. He’s a former All-Star who possess a career ERA of 2.95 and a career WHIP of 1.020. He’s had 13 years of MLB success, producing results in both the National and American League.

Romo is set to turn 38 in early March, but he’d still be a sizable upgrade to the Phillies bullpen considering the state of things at the moment. While 2020 was somewhat of a down year for Romo when compared to his career averages, the 4.05 ERA that he recorded for the Twins would be a welcome addition in the Phillies bullpen (friendly reminder that the team employed a few relievers with ERAs in the 7.00s last year!).

Romo has some experience closing down ballgames in the past, but he primarily operated as the Twins setup main in 2019 and 2020. With Archie Bradley ideally set to be the Phillies closer in 2021, having Romo as the go-to arm in the 8th inning would be a luxury. This could also have a positive ripple effect on someone like Hector Neris, as it would remove him from some of the more high-stress environments that he tends to collapse in.

Romo’s team option of $5 million was declined heading into this year’s offseason, which likely signals that he’ll be signing with a team for less than that number. A worthy investment for Dombrowski to consider, even with Romo being on the older side.

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