30 Facts About Jordan Romano

Early Life and Education

Jordan Romano's journey to MLB stardom began in his hometown of Markham, Ontario. His early years were marked by a passion for sports and a drive to excel.

1. Romano attended Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy in Markham, Ontario.
2. He was a standout athlete in baseball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball.

College Career

Romano's talent on the mound became evident during his college years, where he honed his skills and prepared for a professional career.

3. After high school, Romano attended Connors State College.
4. In his first season, he had a 0–1 win–loss record with an 8.68 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 9.1 innings.
5. The following season, he improved to a 4–3 record with a 4.74 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 38 innings.
6. Romano transferred to Oral Roberts University after his second season at Connors State.
7. At Oral Roberts, he played one season as the team's closer, posting a 3–4 record, 11 saves, a 2.66 ERA, and 49 strikeouts in 40.2 innings.

Draft and Minor League Career

Romano's professional journey began when he was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays, marking the start of his climb through the minor leagues.

8. In 2014, Romano was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 10th round of the MLB June Amateur Draft.
9. He received a $25,000 signing bonus and was assigned to the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Blue Jays.
10. Romano started his minor league career with the Gulf Coast League Blue Jays and was later promoted to the Bluefield Blue Jays.
11. In 13 total appearances, he posted a 1–1 record with a 1.93 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 28 innings pitched.
12. During spring training for the 2015 season, Romano tore his ulnar collateral ligament and underwent Tommy John surgery, missing the entire 2015 season.
13. In 2016, Romano returned to the Lansing Lugnuts of the Single-A Midwest League, finishing the season with a 3–2 record, a 2.11 ERA, and 72 strikeouts in 72.2 innings.
14. In 2017, Romano spent the entire season with the Dunedin Blue Jays of the Advanced-A Florida State League, pitching to a 7–5 record with a 3.39 ERA and 138 strikeouts in 138 innings.
15. In 2018, Romano began the season with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats of the Double-A Eastern League and was later promoted to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

Major League Debut and Early Success

Romano's hard work paid off when he made his major league debut, quickly proving himself as a valuable asset to the Toronto Blue Jays.

16. Romano made his major league debut on June 12, 2019, with the Toronto Blue Jays.
17. He pitched a scoreless 7th inning in an 8–6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles and collected his first major league strikeout against Pedro Severino.
18. On July 24, 2020, Romano earned his first MLB win.
19. He also earned his first MLB save on August 21, 2020, with the Toronto Blue Jays.
20. In 2020, Romano appeared in 15 games, compiling a 2–1 record with a 1.23 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 14+2⁄3 innings pitched.

Becoming a Closer

Romano's role evolved as he became the Blue Jays' closer, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure situations.

21. In 2021, Romano became the Blue Jays closer and went 7–1 with a 2.14 ERA in 63 innings, compiling 23 saves.
22. On April 11, 2022, Romano set a Blue Jays club record with his 26th consecutive converted save.
23. On July 17, 2022, Romano was selected to the American League All-Star team, his first ever selection.
24. In 2022, Romano finished third in the American League with 36 saves, striking out 73 batters in 64 innings with a 2.11 ERA.

Challenges and Comebacks

Even the best athletes face challenges. Romano's career saw its share of ups and downs, but his resilience remained unwavering.

25. On January 13, 2023, Romano signed a one-year, $4.5375 million contract with the Blue Jays, avoiding salary arbitration.
26. He was named to his second-consecutive All-Star team on July 9, 2023.
27. In 2024, Romano struggled with a 6.59 ERA, recording 13 strikeouts and 8 saves over 13+2⁄3 innings pitched.
28. On July 3, 2024, he underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair an impingement in his throwing elbow and was shut down for six weeks.
29. On November 22, 2024, the Blue Jays non-tendered Romano, making him a free agent.

Career Highlights and Stats

Romano's career is filled with impressive stats and milestones that highlight his impact on the game.

30. As of 2024, Romano is tied for fourth on the Blue Jays all-time save leaders list and is the third-fastest Canadian-born pitcher to reach 100 saves.

Romano's Remarkable Journey

Jordan Romano's path from a multi-sport athlete in Markham, Ontario, to a standout MLB pitcher is nothing short of inspiring. His career, marked by resilience and determination, showcases his talent and hard work. From his early days at Connors State College and Oral Roberts University to his impressive minor league stats, Romano's dedication is evident.

Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014, he faced setbacks like Tommy John surgery but bounced back stronger. His major league debut in 2019 and subsequent achievements, including multiple All-Star selections and a club record for consecutive saves, highlight his prowess on the mound.

Despite challenges in the 2024 season, Romano's career stats and accolades make him a notable figure in baseball. As a free agent, his future remains bright, with many teams likely eyeing his potential to bolster their bullpen. Romano's journey is a testament to perseverance and excellence in sports.