Former Blue Jays closer is in elite company
Jordan Romano has become an elite closer.
The former Blue Jay, who signed a one-year dear with Philadelphia this offseason, has the sixth most saves since 2020, with 105. He has 10 more than the person directly behind him, potential future Hall of Famer, Craig Kimbrel.
In spite of this, Romano was often under-appreciated and in some cases derided by Jays fans due to the perception that he could never have a clean ninth inning. He always seemed to be giving up hits or walks, or sometimes even a run, before finishing the game.
And yet, the two-time All-Star has the sixth most saves this decade, and that was in spite of missing most of 2024 with an an injury. Only coming into his own in 2020, Romano essentially those 105 saves in three full seasons, with 23 in 2021, and 36 in both 2022 and 2023. He had six total saves combined in 2020 and 2024.
But who are the others on the list?
Emmanuel Clase, the best closer in the game today is, unsurprisingly ranked number one with 157 saves. What makes this number more impressive is that, due to a PED suspension, he didn't even play in 2020. Josh Hader is next at 150, followed by potential Hall of Famer Kenley Jansen with 146. Raisel Iglesias and Ryan Pressly round out the top 5 with 126 and 105 respectively.
Not only is Romano just one save behind Pressly, he is also third all-time in Blue Jays franchise history, trailing only franchise legends Tom Henke and Duane Ward, and just ahead of former wunderkind Roberto Osuna.
If Romano's shoulder is fully healthy, he should be in for another season of 30-40 saves, potentially moving him further up the list.
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