Beloved former Toronto Blue Jays closer thriving in new home

When the Toronto Blue Jays decided to move on from Canadian closer Jordan Romano following the 2024 season, it left many baseball fans north of the border disappointed.

Romano spent six seasons in Toronto and was a two‑time MLB All‑Star, though his final season with the club was overshadowed by inconsistency and injuries. That decline in performance ultimately pushed the Blue Jays' front office to seek a more reliable reliever option in 2024 free agency, signing Jeff Hoffman.

The Markham, Ont. native now appears to be thriving in Southern California with the Los Angeles Angels.

Good to see that former Blue Jay closer Jordan Romano has found his game again in LA. pic.twitter.com/ttZxmkGiuT

— Rob Wong (@RobWong34) April 9, 2026

In six appearances with the Angels this season, Romano has recorded four saves and has yet to allow a hit. He also ranks among the top 10 MLB pitchers in WHIP among those with at least 5.0 innings pitched.

Los Angeles signed the 32-year-old during the offseason to a one-year, $2 million deal after the Philadelphia Phillies opted not to re-sign him following a difficult 2025 season in which he lost his closer role before the All-Star break.

So far, Romano appears to have rediscovered his confidence, joining fellow former Blue Jay Yusei Kikuchi on the Angels roster.

Toronto will face Romano, Kikuchi and the Angels for a three-game series in just a few weeks during the Blue Jays' first west coast swing of the 2026 season between April 20 and 22.