The Colorado Rockies are making another move to bolster their pitching depth, signing right-handed pitcher Jordan Romano to a minor-league contract, according to MLB.com's Thomas Harding. This low-risk, high-reward move adds a former two-time All-Star to their system, albeit one who's been navigating a challenging stretch in his career.

Romano, 33, most recently pitched for the Los Angeles Angels, but his time there was brief. The Angels designated him for assignment on April 26 and released him the following day. As part of the deal, the Angels remain on the hook for the remainder of his $2 million salary, while the Rockies will only pay the prorated league minimum for any time Romano spends on their active roster.

Before joining game action, Romano will report to the Rockies' performance lab in Scottsdale, Arizona—a smart move given his recent struggles. The lab provides a controlled environment to fine-tune mechanics and rebuild confidence, something that could prove invaluable for a pitcher looking to rediscover his form.

Romano's journey to this point has been a rollercoaster. Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 10th round of the 2014 MLB Draft, he made his big-league debut with them in 2019 and spent six seasons in Toronto. From 2019 through 2024, he was a standout reliever, posting a stellar 2.90 ERA over 229.2 innings. His peak came in 2022 and 2023 when he was named to the American League All-Star Team as a closer, earning a reputation as one of the game's most reliable late-inning arms.

However, his 2024 season with the Blue Jays was derailed by injury. He pitched just 13.2 innings and recorded a 6.59 ERA before undergoing mid-season surgery to address an impingement in his throwing shoulder, which ended his campaign. The setback marked a turning point.

In 2025, Romano signed a one-year, $8.5 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, hoping to bounce back. Instead, he continued to struggle, posting an 8.23 ERA over 42.2 innings. After being released by the Phillies, he landed with the Angels, where he pitched 8.0 innings and recorded a 10.13 ERA, along with 12 strikeouts and four saves—a mixed bag that hinted at his lingering potential but also his inconsistency.

Baseball Savant data shows Romano relies on a three-pitch mix: a four-seam fastball averaging 94.5 mph, a slider at 84.7 mph, and a splitter at 86.6 mph. All three have seen velocity declines in recent years, which may explain his diminished effectiveness. That's where the Rockies' performance lab comes in—it's a chance to recapture some of that lost zip and sharpen his command.

For the Rockies, this signing is a classic depth play. If Romano can rediscover even a fraction of his All-Star form, they'll have added a proven arm to their bullpen for a minimal financial commitment. If not, the minor-league deal means there's little downside. It's a move that reflects the Rockies' ongoing effort to strengthen their pitching staff, one bounce-back candidate at a time.