Jordan Romano isn’t having the best first year with the Philadelphia Phillies in what has been a tough start for him, but behind his arrival was a strong reason for signing him — one that still hasn’t materialized, and it’s not entirely the pitcher’s fault.
According to recent comments by Dave Dombrowski to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Romano was signed because the Phillies believed Orion Kerkering was ready to take the next step and show his full potential on the mound — something that hasn’t happened yet.
“[We signed] Romano because we thought Kerkering was ready to step up and, I don’t want to say take on more because his role has been important, but pitch more at the back and high leverage,” Dombrowski said.
How bad has it been for Kerkering with the Phillies?
It’s been a tough MLB season for Kerkering so far, who currently holds a 5.23 ERA across just 10 innings pitched in 12 games for the Phillies. This is his third season with the club, and it’s worth noting that last year he appeared in 64 games and posted a 2.29 ERA. So far, the conditions that led to Romano’s signing have not played out as the team expected.
Orion Kerkering #50 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches in the sixth inning during the home opener against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park on March 31, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 6-1.
Jeff Hoffman also played a role in Jordan Romano’s arrival
In other recent comments, Dombrowski explained how the failed negotiations with Jeff Hoffman — and Hoffman’s eventual departure — also became a factor that pushed the Phillies to bring in Romano, who was one of the few viable options left at the time.
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“We tried to sign Hoffman, very aggressively,” Dombrowski told Phillies Nation. “They turned down our offer and he ended up signing, at the time, was still looking for more dollars. And then we had to make a decision on Romano or somebody else…”
