Jordan Romano Landing Spots: 3 best fits for ex-Blue Jays All-Star righty after $8.5M Phillies stint

Jordan Romano’s 2025 season never settled into the rhythm anyone expected not him, not the Phillies and not the scouts who believed he was primed for a rebound year.

Philadelphia brought him in on an $8.5 million deal hoping he’d give them a late-inning anchor; instead, a mix of finger issues, lost velocity at times and inconsistent command derailed his season. Still, baseball has a short memory when it comes to relievers with a real track record.

Romano was an All-Star closer not long ago and teams remember the version of him that pounded the zone with a high-spin fastball and a sharp, late slider.

He might won’t get multi-year money, but he will get calls especially from clubs looking for high-upside bullpen help without a major investment. Three destinations fit that mold better than the rest.

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#1. Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona’s bullpen spent most of 2025 in survival mode, and that alone makes Romano a logical target. The Diamondbacks blew too many late leads and rarely had a dependable bridge to the ninth inning.

Romano doesn’t need to be perfect here; he needs to miss bats and give them a veteran presence with closer experience.

Arizona can offer him a clear role, manageable expectations and a chance to regain confidence away from the pressure of Philadelphia.

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#2. New York Yankees

The Yankees are expected to reset parts of their bullpen this winter and Romano fits the type of short-term play they’ve leaned on for years.

New York needs someone who can handle tough pockets of lineups, pitch in the seventh or eighth and give Aaron Boone flexibility when the matchups get tight.

Romano’s experience closing games in Toronto gives him the mental edge the Yankees value. He wouldn’t be handed the ninth inning, but he’d be given responsibility.

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#3. Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee quietly remains one of the best landing spots for relievers trying to rebuild value. The Brewers lean heavily on coaching, pitch usage tweaks and a strong defensive setup to help pitchers find cleaner results.

Romano’s fastball-slider combo still has life; it just lost consistency. Milwaukee has made a habit of smoothing out those issues for veteran arms.

In a lower-pressure market, Romano would have the space to work his way back without being handed the ninth inning on Day One. If the form returns, the Brewers get a late-inning weapon for very little cost.