The Philadelphia Phillies added to their bullpen on Monday, the first day of the MLB Winter Meetings in Dallas, Texas. The club agreed to a one-year, $8.5 million deal with free agent closer Jordan Romano.
Philadelphia's first major offseason signing takes care of one bullpen vacancy following the loss of reliever Carlos Estévez to free agency. Romano dealt with injuries during 2024 but was one of the best closers in MLB during the previous three seasons.
Following the signing, what other moves do the Phillies need to make? Here are three the Phillies need to make after signing Romano.
1. Add another reliever
The Phillies need to continue adding to their bullpen following the addition of Romano. The organization lost Estévez and reliever Jeff Hoffman to free agency. Is it possible the Latham, New York native returns to Philly? Perhaps, unless another club offers him a generous contract offer or wants to use him as a starting pitcher. The San Francisco Giants signed reliever Jordan Hicks last winter and used him as a starter this year. Clay Holmes agreed to a multi-year deal with the New York Mets, and the organization will use him as a starting pitcher in 2025.
If Hoffman signs with another organization, there are several relievers the Phillies could consider signing in free agency. A.J. Minter has been a solid relief pitcher during his eight-year career, all with the Atlanta Braves. He has not been reliable as a closer, saving 36 of 56 opportunities, but would be solid as a mid-inning or setup reliever.
Other relievers available include Kirby Yates, Yimi García, José Leclerc, Jakob Junis and Scott Barlow. Current relief pitchers on the Phillies roster for next year who could earn the setup role include Matt Strahm and José Alvarado. Orion Kerkering should be considered regularly for a late-inning role as well.
2. Sign a starting pitcher
Taijuan Walker is not guaranteed a rotation spot next year following his disastrous season. The Phillies could try to trade him this offseason. Ranger Suárez has been mentioned in trade rumors as he will be entering his final year of arbitration. He will be a free agent in 2026.
Prospect Andrew Painter may make his MLB debut during the 2025 season. Who could the Phillies target in free agency to add to the back of their rotation?
Left-hander José Quintana would be a decent addition on a one-year deal, especially if Philadelphia parts with Suárez or Walker this offseason. The experienced veteran has been durable for the majority of his career. Quintana represents a better option durability-wise than free agent starters Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander at this point in their careers.
Charlie Morton is another experienced starter who could be decent at the end of the Phillies rotation should he return for an 18th season. He spent the past four seasons with the Braves. Other starting pitchers available include Mike Clevinger, Walker Buehler and Nathan Eovaldi.
3. Add another outfielder
Philadelphia lacked consistency from their outfield position group offensively in 2024. That needs to change if the team is to win a World Series next year. Barring a trade, Nick Castellanos and Brandon Marsh are expected to contribute to the Phillies in 2025.
Austin Hays will not return after being non-tendered in November. Johan Rojas will be competing to be a starter in spring training. Some notable outfielders available include Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernández and Jurickson Profar.
Adding a big name to their outfield, such as Santander, Hernández or Profar, could benefit the Phillies but it appears unlikely unless Castellanos is traded. Prospect Justin Crawford could be ready to debut in the majors in the middle or end of next season should the organization not include him in a trade this offseason as has been rumored.
Other outfielders available include Harrison Bader, Mark Canha, Kiké Hernández, Mike Tauchman and Jesse Winkler. Alex Verdugo may be seeking a new contract worth more money and for more years than the Phillies would be willing to offer.
Bader could be an ideal addition for Philadelphia on a short-term deal. Canha is an experienced player who can still produce at a decent level. The Phillies could make an addition to their roster via trade if they are not interested in the free agent outfielders available.