Former Blue Jays pitcher Jordan Romano has lost his job with the Angels
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Victor William
Feb 5, 2026 (11:07)
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Photo credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Jordan Romano joining the Los Angeles Angels on a one-year deal offers a high-stakes chance for the former All-Star to reclaim his dominant ninth-inning throne.
The Canadian right-hander signed a $2 million contract this December after a grueling season in Philadelphia that left many wondering where his elite velocity went.
It is no secret that last year was a nightmare for the veteran reliever as he struggled to find any rhythm with the Phillies.
Jordan Romano (Drafted 10th round, 2014 by Toronto) finished the 2025 season with a 2-4 record and a ballooned 8.23 ERA across 49 appearances.
Fans in the City of Brotherly Love grew frustrated as his usually reliable slider lost its bite and his WHIP climbed to a career-high 1.45.
However, writing off a two-time All-Star who once owned the AL East is a mistake the Angels are hoping to capitalize on.
The Halos are currently eyeing a wide-open closer competition this spring between Romano, Robert Stephenson, and flamethrower Ben Joyce.
Romano seems to be the odd man out in this competition and is expected to take on a regular reliever role for the Angels as it will be his first season in a long time not pitching as a closer.
Reclaiming the dominance of the Blue Jays era
Angels fans are desperate for a steady hand at the back of the bullpen to finally end the cycle of late-inning heartbreak.
We cannot forget just how untouchable Romano was during his peak years wearing the Blue Jays uniform from 2021 to 2023.
During that stretch, he was a cold-blooded assassin on the mound, racking up 95 saves and posting a sub-3.00 ERA each season.
He famously set a Toronto franchise record by converting 31 consecutive save opportunities, proving he has the mental toughness for the big stage.
The "Markham Asylum" entrance was a symbol of hope for North of the Border fans who knew the game was over once he emerged.
If Romano can rediscover even 80 percent of that Toronto magic, the $2 million investment will look like the steal of the century.
The talent is clearly there, and a fresh start in sunny California might be the exact spark his career needs right now.
With his 95 MPH heater still in the tank, the path back to the All-Star game starts with a clean slate this March.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 5|281 ANSWERS Former Blue Jays pitcher Jordan Romano has lost his job with the Angels Can Jordan Romano beat out Robert Stephenson for the Angels closer role? | ||
| Romano | 114 | 40.6 % |
| Stephenson | 167 | 59.4 % |
| List of polls | ||