RADIO
Jordan Romano 2022 Player Outlook: Determined Role Provides High Save Potential
3 years agoToronto Blue Jays reliever Jordan Romano took over the closer role midseason last year and didn't disappoint, ending the campaign with a 2.14 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 23 saves in 63 innings. He has a two-pitch mix: a high-velocity fastball and a slider with good vertical drop that got whiffs 36% of the time. The 28-year-old utilized these offerings to produce a strong 29.9 CSW% and 14.5 SwStr% to go along with a 33.6 K%. His batted ball data was solid too. Romano induced groundballs at a 46.8% rate and limited hard contact, leading to a 2.67 xERA. He'll likely maintain a K-rate above 30%, but there are control issues after he managed a 9.9 BB% last season. Also, his 87.4 LOB% is bound to come down, and his slider is left in the heart of the zone too often. The right-hander won't maintain his 2021 run prevention, but if the Jays stand pat in the bullpen, he'll compile 30 saves while posting at least an average ERA and WHIP. Romano's ADP is 102, making him a good value pick, considering he's nine spots behind Atlanta's Will Smith, and can provide similar contributions.
