Jordan Romano Celebrates Toronto Return After Successfully Adjusting to Phillies Life

Jordan Romano found himself savoring a rare moment of normalcy and family connection on Monday evening, enjoying a home-cooked dinner at his parents’ house in Markham, Ontario. The gathering was made even more special as his youngest sister tested out her latest taco creations, a reflection of her aspirations to one day open a food truck. “It was really good,” Romano said, describing the lively family meal that served as a reminder of his roots.

Such dinners were once a familiar part of Romano’s routine during his six-year stretch as a mainstay in the Toronto Blue Jays bullpen. Now, however, opportunities to reconnect with family at home are scarce. Since signing a one-year, $8.5-million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies this past offseason, Romano has been adjusting to the demands and rhythms of life with a new team—and a new city—while cherishing every chance to revisit old comforts.

Back at Rogers Centre for the first time as a visitor for a three-game series, Romano acknowledged the strangeness of switching allegiances after so many years on the home side. “Being on the home side for so long, you get accustomed to certain things,” he reflected, noting that acclimating to the visitor's dugout and clubhouse had been an unusual, albeit manageable, adjustment. Standing alongside Phillies teammates, Romano couldn’t help but reminisce about his many memorable moments in a Blue Jays uniform.

The transition has come after a challenging period in Romano’s career. Last July, he underwent season-ending surgery on his right elbow. With his future uncertain, the Blue Jays made the difficult decision to part ways before the November deadline to offer contracts for 2025. Romano soon landed in Philadelphia, while Toronto signed former Phillies reliever Jeff Hoffman, essentially swapping closers between the two clubs.

Early days in Philadelphia were rocky for Romano. He conceded 15 runs on 15 hits over his first 9.1 innings—a tough introduction to NL baseball and a new environment. “I felt like it did take a little adjusting for me,” Romano admitted, explaining that the pressure to prove himself led him to press too hard out of the gate. Once he settled into his role and regained confidence following his injury layoff, his performances steadily improved.

Throughout his return to Toronto, Romano was greeted warmly by former teammates, sharing laughs and stories on the outfield grass during batting practice. For reliever Erik Swanson, seeing Romano donning Phillies red remains a peculiar sight. “I saw a picture floating around at the beginning of spring training with him in a Phillies uniform. Definitely a weird feeling,” Swanson remarked, reflecting on their close friendship and regular gaming sessions, which have been on hiatus due to injuries and busy schedules.

Both Romano and Swanson, along with Jays starter Chris Bassitt, form part of a tight-knit group that often faces off in virtual golf tournaments on PGA Tour 2K25. The friendly rivalries, complete with small wagers and good-natured ribbing, underscore the camaraderie that persists even after teammates move on. Swanson, who is still recovering from injury, joked about Romano’s eagerness to unseat him on the virtual links, saying, “He needs to be patient because the day will come where he’ll have the opportunity to take on the king again.”

On the field, Swanson expressed nothing but pride for his friend’s return to form, emphasizing how delighted he is to see Romano healthy and taking on high-leverage roles with a Phillies club that currently boasts one of the best records in baseball. “I’m glad to see him doing well and finding his footing and doing exactly what we all know he can do,” Swanson affirmed. While friendly rivalries may continue off the field, Romano’s impact in the majors continues to earn respect from teammates and fans on both sides of the border. As the series unfolds in Toronto, Romano’s presence serves as a heartwarming reminder of the bonds that endure beyond the game itself.