Colorado Rockies: Drew Romo – The Prospect You Need To Know
I would not call the Colorado Rockies organization a perfect example of developing prospects. I’d argue they are the worst in baseball. They’ve had stars such as Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki, Nolan Areando, Todd Helton, and Charlie Blackmon, but, in terms of real depth to the roster, this is an organization that struggles developing players. For what it’s worth, the organization does feature a very deep collection of talent right now.
Most Rockies fans (or at least those who keep up with the team’s top prospects) know the name of Zac Veen. He was the Rockies’ top draft pick in 2020. Veen has the makings of a star, as does Benny Montgomery, Colorado’s first-round pick in 2021. There is also an exciting player by the name of, Elehuris Montero, who will be the next 35+ HR player at Coors Field. One name fans might not take notice of (due to his lower ranking on most prospect lists), Drew Romo. Romo is not a sexy offensive prospect, however, given his main tools as a catcher, the opportunity for Colorado to make waves in the MLB standings depends on him.
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Romo is my favorite under-the-radar prospect in the Rockies system. Taken with the 35th pick in the 2020 Draft, Romo was the 4th catcher selected. He went behind fellow Lo-A West catchers, Tyler Soderstrom (Oakland), Patrick Bailey(San Francisco), and Austin Wells (NYY). Thus far, Romo is the only player of the four who you can definitively say will remain a catcher at the big league level. While I’m intrigued a tad by his potential hit tool (.315 at Lo-A Fresno), which in Coors could easily be inflated; Romo’s true calling card is his skill behind the plate. That’s one trait you can’t say about the catchers drafted before him in 2020.
Romo is a potential Gold Glove player at his position. He could rival Yadier Molina and Buster Posey’s best years for the St.Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants (he’s that good). Why is that so important? Molina and Posey were (and will always be) two of the best defensive/ game managers at the catcher position of this era. Neither San Francisco or St. Louis get WS titles had those two not been a part of their respective rosters. The Rockies have consistently been one of the worst franchises in terms of team ERA. You might be saying, “Well it’s the ballpark. That’s why the ERA is so high.” You’d be correct in that assumption. However, Colorado has never had a true Gold Glove catcher to help out.
The closest the Rockies had to a true defensive catcher, Yorvit Torrealba. His 3.2 WAR is one of the best in team history regardless of position. It is no surprise that Colorado had some of their most successful seasons with him behind the dish. While the setting in Denver plays a role in pitchers getting hammered, the same can be said about a good defensive catcher who can alleviate that. This is why Romo so critical to the Rockies future.
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While finding exact WAR numbers for Romo’s minor league career, has proven to be a task, he is still regarded as one the best defensive catching prospects in baseball (not just his 2020 Draft class). On the scouting scale, Romo ranks high with a 60 for both arm/fielding. His defensive skills are unmatched. For the Rockies, having a catcher that can call and dictate the outcome of games in this fashion will enable them to get more out of their pitching staff (especially at Coors) and help eliminate unnecessary runs.
As with most prospects, it’s never really a given as to how they will develop. Romo is primarily viewed as a defensive catcher. However, his hitting could become efficient and effective enough that he will maintain a steady average in the majors. It’s unlikely he become a power hitter, however, playing half your games at Coors, that could make a difference. Yet, that’s not the appeal of Romo. If he’s just a solid/average MLB hitter (.265-.285), that’s just extra icing on the birthday cake.
Colorado will always have pure hitting and power, they’ve never lacked that. With Veen, Montgomery, Montero, and Ezequiel Tovar all looking as if they will make an impact in Denver on the offensive end, having a catcher that can call games (and maybe not the most flashy of offensive players) will benefit a team that hasn’t had the best of luck with pitching and run protection. Romo will be considered a better real-life player than a fantasy baseball star. He won’t be taken in first round of a fantasy draft. Colorado needs that from a starting catcher. Now, all they have to do is win!
Image Source: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer, Houston Chronicle
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
