Markham native and former Blue Jays closer, third on the team’s all-time saves list, endured an injury-plagued 2024 season, prompting Toronto to part ways with him rather than offering a contract projected at just under $8 million.
Unexpectedly entering free agency, the 31-year-old spent a little over two weeks on the market before securing a one-year, $8.5 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he has quickly found success.
“Everyone’s been super welcoming,” Romano said as his new team prepared to face the New York Yankees on Wednesday. “The first couple of weeks felt like being the new kid at school—learning names, meeting staff—but it’s been great.”
His transition has extended to the field as well. This spring, Romano has faced 27 batters, allowing just four hits while issuing one walk and striking out eight. His ERA remains a flawless 0.00, easing concerns about any lingering effects from last summer’s elbow surgery—the likely reason Toronto moved on from the two-time All-Star.
“I feel like my old self,” said Romano, who spent 11 years with the Blue Jays. “My arm feels so much better this year. I can throw more, work on my pitches without pain, and really perfect my craft—something I couldn’t do last year. It was tough.”
His 2024 campaign was largely lost due to injuries. He started the season on the injured list, attempted to pitch through inflammation, and ultimately underwent surgery in July. In 15 appearances, he struggled to a 6.59 ERA but still converted eight of nine save opportunities.
Despite being cut loose by Toronto, Romano found a strong landing spot with the Phillies, the reigning NL East champions coming off a 95-win season. They’ve reached the playoffs three straight years and were World Series runners-up to Houston in 2022.
“I try not to think about it too much anymore,” Romano said of his departure from Toronto. “I had an awesome time there, but now I’m just looking ahead. You always think you’ll spend your whole career with one team, but that’s rarely how it works. This is usually how it goes.”
The Phillies are led by veteran executive Dave Dombrowski, who has guided multiple teams to the World Series, and backed by billionaire owner John Middleton, who met with players earlier this spring to reinforce his commitment to winning.
