3. Jordan Romano, Relief Pitcher
After deciding not to re-sign Jeff Hoffman or Carlos Estevez, the Phillies are banking on Jordan Romano to be their closer in 2025 and hopefully over the next few years.
The 32-year-old reliever signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract in free agency. Romano spent the last six years with the Toronto Blue Jays. The veteran relief pitcher was considered one of the best closers in the majors between 2021 and ‘23.
During those three years, Romano was named to the MLB All-Star Game in back-to-back years (2022 and 2023) and had an average ERA of 2.37.
The right-handed pitcher had his 2024 season derailed by a right elbow injury, which forced him to get arthroscopic surgery in July.
Nonetheless, Romano has looked good in Spring Training, which is good news for the Phillies. The two-time All-Star has recorded eight strikeouts, allowed four hits, zero earned runs, and two walks in 8.2 innings pitched (nine appearances).
It’s unlikely that Romano will have a 0.00 ERA in the regular season, but if he can return to his All-Star form, the Phillies will make sure to lock him up for the foreseeable future.