Phillies Reportedly Land Free Agent Closer Jordan Romano

The MLB Winter Meetings are happening now in Dallas, Texas, and the Phillies appear to be making their first big move.   With two of last year's key bullpen cogs currently free agents, the Phillies needed to add to the back end of the bullpen.  The Phillies reportedly have landed a closer.

Earlier today, Mike Gill noted that the Phillies were unlikely to sign both Hoffman and Estevez.  Hoffman might even land a job as a starting pitcher, with scouts being impressed at Hoffman's arsenal of pitches the last two season.

Romano is a two-time All-Star, but who is coming off of a tough season health-wise and on the field with the Toronto Blue Jays.   Romano was 1-2 with a 6.59 ERA before succumbing to arthroscopic surgery in his elbow.

Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports noted that Romano pitched to a 2.37 ERA from 2021 through 2023, the ninth-lowest in all of baseball, while the 95 saves he racked up were fourth during that span.

Romano was an American League All-Star in 2022 and 2023. The Phillies hope that he can return to form after a clean bill of health.