New York Mets Shore Up Catcher Depth, Claim Former Top Prospect Drew Romo

The New York Mets have strengthened their catching depth by claiming Drew Romo off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. The move adds a young, once-highly-touted defender to the team’s 40-man roster.

To make room for Romo, the Mets designated left-handed pitcher Brandon Waddell for assignment, signaling a focus on organizational depth, particularly behind the plate. Romo, a 24-year-old switch-hitter, was a first-round draft pick by the Colorado Rockies in 2020 and quickly rose to become a top-100 national prospect. He earned praise for his defensive skills and game-calling, although his major league experience remains limited to just 19 games over the past two seasons with Colorado. His offensive numbers in that small sample were modest, but his defensive reputation and pedigree make him a valuable addition for the Mets at minimal risk.

According to MLB Pipeline, Romo was the Rockies’ number two prospect in 2022 and remained a top-ten organizational prospect as recently as last year. The acquisition primarily provides depth and flexibility, especially given that the Mets’ primary catcher, Francisco Álvarez, has dealt with injury setbacks in consecutive seasons. Romo now joins Álvarez, Luis Torrens, and Hayden Senger as catchers on the roster. He can be optioned to the minors, offering essential insurance and ensuring the team is not left short-handed if injuries occur again.