Former Toronto Blue Jays all-star closer Jordan Romano has found a new opportunity with the Colorado Rockies. The Canadian right-handed pitcher signed a minor league contract with the organization, as reported by MLB.com's Thomas Harding. Romano, who was designated for assignment and subsequently released by the Los Angeles Angels last week, will initially report to the team's performance lab in Scottsdale, Arizona, before any game action. It remains unclear which level of the Rockies' minor league system the 33-year-old will be assigned to.
Rockies Offer New Start for Romano
The Markham, Ontario native began the 2026 season impressively with the Angels, recording four saves in six scoreless appearances over five innings. However, his performance declined sharply after two blown save opportunities against the New York Yankees, where he allowed five runs while recording just one out across two games. He briefly rebounded with two scoreless outings in low-leverage situations but struggled again in his final appearance before being designated for assignment. On Saturday, Romano surrendered four runs on three hits in the eighth inning of a 12-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals, concluding his Angels tenure with a 0-2 record and a 10.13 ERA.
Romano's Journey with the Blue Jays
Romano was a hometown hero during his time with the Blue Jays. Selected in the 10th round of the 2014 MLB draft, he made his major league debut in 2019 but did not become a key bullpen piece until 2021. He represented Toronto at the MLB All-Star Game in both 2022 and 2023 before experiencing significant struggles in 2024. The Blue Jays opted not to re-sign him after that season, and he joined the Philadelphia Phillies for 2025, where he continued to struggle, posting an 8.23 ERA in 49 games.
Over his eight-year career, Romano holds a 22-23 record with 117 saves and a 3.92 ERA. The 6-foot-5 righty has struck out 344 batters in 280.1 innings pitched. The Rockies hope that a stint in their performance lab can help Romano rediscover the form that made him a two-time All-Star.
