Former Blue Jays closer Romano joining Phillies on 1-year deal: reports

The Philadelphia Phillies have made a significant move to bolster their bullpen, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $7.75 million US with two-time all-star Jordan Romano. The 31-year-old right-hander hailing from Markham, Ontario, was non-tendered by the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this off-season. Romano’s addition comes as the Phillies look to fill the void left by the departures of Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez in free agency.

Last season, Romano struggled with injuries and underwent season-ending right elbow surgery in July. Despite a challenging year, he brings a wealth of experience to the Phillies’ bullpen. Romano has saved 36 games in his career, earning all-star nods in both 2022 and 2023. With a career record of 20-17 in 231 relief appearances, Romano boasts an impressive 2.90 ERA.

In other news, Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki has been posted to Major League Baseball teams and will be available as a free agent until January 23. The hard-throwing 23-year-old is limited to a minor league contract due to his age, which falls under MLB’s international amateur status. Sasaki is expected to be a highly sought-after prospect after an impressive season with the Chiba Lotte Marines, where he went 10-5 with a 2.35 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 111 innings.

Sasaki’s fastball has been clocked at an impressive 102.5 miles per hour, and he played a key role in Japan’s victory at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Despite facing challenges during his time with the Marines, Sasaki is determined to make a mark in MLB and fulfill his potential as a top-tier pitcher. His perfect game against the Orix Buffaloes in April 2022, where he recorded 13 consecutive strikeouts, showcases his exceptional talent on the mound.

As teams prepare to enter the international signing period, various clubs have allocated different amounts for signing bonuses. The Phillies, along with other MLB teams, will have the opportunity to pursue Sasaki and potentially secure his talents for the upcoming season. With his impressive track record and potential to become a standout player in the league, Sasaki’s entry into MLB has generated significant interest among teams looking to enhance their pitching rotation.