Phillies rumor: Club in talks with free agent Sergio Romo
Would veteran reliever Sergio Romo help the Phillies bullpen next offseason?
Sergio Romo, the former Giants closer who helped them to multiple World Series titles, is a hot commodity for several at the Baseball Winter Meetings, including the Phillies.
Despite turning 37-years-old in March, Romo is picking up interest from a number of contending teams, according to Fancred’s Jon Heyman. This report adds that a deal is expected to get done at the winter meetings this week.
The interest in Romo goes beyond the Phillies with Heyman reporting the San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, Minnesota Twins, and Boston Red Sox are potential suitors for the righty.
In 65 games last year Romo had a 3.43 ERA with 20 saves and 60 strikeouts between the Miami Marlins and Twins, who picked him up at the trade deadline. His ERA was slightly better and his strikeout rate went up a tick after the trade, perhaps highlighting what he can do when pitching for a contender.
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Philadelphia lost several of their veteran relievers to free agency this year. Pat Neshek, Tommy Hunter, Juan Nicasio, Jared Hughes, Edubray Ramos, and Blake Parker are all on the open market and all are unlikely to return next year.
Romo made $2.5 million last year and is in line for a similar deal in 2020, giving Philadelphia an affordable option to fill out their bullpen. After signing Zack Wheeler and having several open infield spots available, adding a trusted reliever who has dominated under the brightest lights makes more than enough sense.
Right now the reliever market is very weak after Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen stuck with their teams and Will Smith signed a deal early in the offseason. Dellin Betances, Blake Treinen, and Will Harris all have major question marks, but are the best options available.
Romo might be one of the oldest relievers available, but he also might be among the safest options this offseason, one the Phillies should push for.