The highly-anticipated catcher is finally getting his Coors callup
Oh yeah, Rockies fans. It’s happening.
As reported by Thomas Harding, the Rockies are calling up catcher Drew Romo.
With the #Rockies‘ reported officila release of C Elias Díaz — first reported by @ElExtrabase — expect the #Rockies to select C Drew Romo (35th overall pick in 2020, @MLBPipeline club No. 9 prospect) to join the club for tonight vs. #Padres.https://t.co/BDbRnpKyqQ
— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) August 16, 2024
This is big news for those that have had their eyes on Colorado’s minor league system, as Romo is one of the most exciting prospects we’ve seen in some time. Adding to the hype train is his skill as a catcher, a position that the Rockies have historically struggled to get meaningful production out of.
Romo, Colorado’s no, 9 prospect per MLB Pipeline, has been on a tear recently in Triple-A Albuquerque, hitting .350/.435/.550 in his last 10 games.
After being picked up by the Rockies in the 2020 Draft, Romo has excelled as a switch-hitter, showing remarkable consistency at the plate regardless of the side he’s batting from. Equally intriguing is his increasing power numbers, as he’s only hit more home runs as he’s progressed up through the minor leagues, culminating in his 14 long balls thus far in 2024.
Manager Bud Black said earlier this year that Romo’s time was coming sooner than later, and it appears he and the Rockies front office have seen enough to convince them that Romo is ready to begin learning and breaking in at the game’s highest level.
Expect the 22-year-old backstop to get a look, and maybe even a start, this weekend as the Rockies host the San Diego Padres.
The man some are hailing as “the catcher of the future” recently sat down with our own Evan Lang and Skyler Timmins in a great interview, which can be found here.
As Romo’s journey with the Rockies begins, though, Elías Díaz’s appears to be ending.
The Colorado #Rockies are releasing C Elías Díaz, sources tell @ElExtrabase.
— Daniel Álvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) August 16, 2024
Díaz struggled mightily with inconsistent play and injuries this season, leading to Colorado to place the veteran catcher on waivers Wednesday and subsequently releasing him on Friday.
In 462 games over five seasons with the Rockies from 2020-24, Díaz hit 48 home runs and drove in 212 RBI while slashing .253/.305/.403. He caught 419 games, the second-most in franchise history behind Chris Ianetta.
Whether another team decides to take a flier on him or not, we can always look back on his amazing home run in last year’s All-Star Game, leading to him being named the first-ever Rockies All-Star Game MVP. We wish him well in his future.