It’s a throwback flier from a former All-Star closer. The Canadian-born Romano logged 36 straight seasons for the Blue Jays in 2022 and ’23. He went to the Midsummer Classic both years and averaged less than 3.00 points every season between 2021 and 2023. Over the past two seasons, things have gone completely off the rails. Romano allowed a 6.59 ERA in 15 appearances before undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery in 2024. The Jays non-tendered him heading into his final year of arbitration.
That worked out well for him financially. Romano had expected an arbitration salary of $7.75 million, but found an $8.5 million guarantee from the Phillies in free agency. Philadelphia was unable to get him back on track, as he surrendered an even uglier 8.23 ERA over 42 2/3 frames. He was one of three pitchers to go more than 40 innings while allowing at least eight earned runs per nine innings. Romano’s season ended in August when he was diagnosed with a middle finger injury on his throwing hand and stiffness in his neck.
It’s surprising to see Romano have a major league contract at all, although the $2 million salary won’t make a big dent in the Angels’ books. Romano still has a 95-96 MPH fastball and a promising mid-80s slider. He struck out a quarter of opponents behind a solid 11.8% swinging strike rate for the Phillies. There is still some promise in his raw material, but he will need to avoid the injuries and home run barrage that have blighted his past few seasons.
Tonight’s signings push the Angels’ projected payroll to $172 million Grid source. They had a payroll of $193 million to start the 2025 season. Romano should start the year with a low debt load, leaving the club in need of a true right-handed setup man. They hope for a healthy season Robert Stephensonwho is the favorite to replace Kenley Jansen as closer. Ben Joyce is a question mark after the shoulder surgery in May. Ryan Zeferjahn, Jose Fermin, Chase Silseth, Sam Bachman And Cody Laweryson are among their other right-handed options. It’s a clear area of need — in addition to starting pitching, an infielder and center field — for the remainder of the offseason.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan was the first in terms of signing and conditions. Image courtesy of Katie Stratman, Imagn Images.
#Angels #drawing #jordan #romano